Djed Spence Reveals Why Inter Move Was Too Good to Reject After Leaving Tottenham

Djed Spence has explained that Inter Milan’s remarkable history and tradition of winning trophies played a major role in his decision to leave Tottenham Hotspur and join the Serie A giants.

The 26-year-old defender completed a €35 million (£30m) transfer to Cristian Chivu’s reigning Italian champions after an impressive World Cup campaign. His arrival is expected to help fill the gap created by Denzel Dumfries, who departed for Real Madrid.

Inter’s Trophy History Convinced Spence

Spence officially joined Inter on Saturday, strengthening a defence determined to retain the Scudetto. The London-born full-back is returning to Italy two years after spending time on loan at Genoa, where he made 16 appearances during the second half of the 2023-24 season.

Since joining Tottenham from Middlesbrough in 2022, Spence has also developed his experience through loan spells at Rennes and Leeds United, gaining valuable exposure to different styles of football across England and Europe.

Speaking to Inter’s official website, Spence admitted that the club’s illustrious history and collection of trophies were major attractions.

“I was definitely drawn by the history. You only have to look behind us at all those trophies. This really is a massive club,” he said.

The defender added that joining Inter represents an important step for both his career and family, while expressing his excitement about beginning a new chapter in Italy.

Loan Spells Helped Spence Mature

Spence also credited his previous experiences abroad with helping him develop both professionally and personally.

According to the England international, playing outside the Premier League taught him valuable lessons and helped him mature considerably.

“They’ve shaped me a lot. You learn so much when you play abroad. I can say I became a man when I was abroad and I’m grateful for those experiences,” Spence explained.

Familiar Faces Await at Inter

Spence will not be completely unfamiliar with his new surroundings. He is set to reunite with England team-mate John Stones, while also linking up again with goalkeeper Josep Martinez following their time together at Genoa.

The new signing revealed that both players had already reached out to welcome him to the club.

“I haven’t spoken to any of them yet, but I was with Martinez at Genoa two years ago and with Stones at the World Cup. They both sent me messages in the last few days. I can’t wait to see them and get started,” he said.

Spence becomes Inter’s fifth signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Stones, Manuel Akanji, Aleksandar Stankovic and Ivan Provedel.

Spence Faces Immediate Test

Following an impressive World Cup campaign in which he helped England claim a bronze medal and recorded 19 tackles, Spence will now be expected to settle quickly under Chivu.

His first competitive challenge is scheduled for next Saturday when Inter begin their Serie A campaign against Monza. The defender will be hoping to make an immediate impact on the right flank as the Nerazzurri begin their bid to defend the Italian title.