IVAN PERISIC has joined a new club, just 76 days after signing for Croatian side Hajduk Split.
The winger, 35, spent the bulk of last season recovering from a devastating ACL injury.
He began the 2023-24 campaign as a Tottenham super-sub under Ange Postecoglou.
But following appearances in the first five Premier League games of last season, Perisic suffered a nasty injury in training – effectively ending his Spurs career.
In January, while still recovering, he moved to boyhood club Hajduk Split – determined to bring them silverware.
He initially moved on loan for the remainder of the season, but agreed a deal to make the switch permanent in the summer.
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Following reported disagreements with boss Gennaro Gattuso, however, Perisic has now moved on to Dutch side PSV Eindhoven.
Upon sealing the deal, the Croatia veteran admitted his excitement at contending for big trophies again, while revealing which former Inter Milan team-mate advised him on the move.
He said: “Ever since I became a free player, I was hoping for an option like this: a club and an environment that I liked and with which I could win trophies.
“(Denzel) Dumfries gave me advice and that only convinced me that PSV is the right move. I can’t wait to get started, give my all and win trophies.”
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Having recovered from his ACL injury, Perisic returned to action for Hajduk in April.
Speaking to Croatian outlet Dalmatinski, the former Spurs man claimed that he risked his career by returning so soon.
He said: “I came to Hajduk in the hope that together we will realise our dream and take the title.
“I had a good contract at Tottenham, and even when I was injured, I had an excellent offer from a big foreign club, where I would have fantastic conditions for rehabilitation and at least the same chance to play, as I had here.
“Instead, at the invitation of the club management and the fans, I chose a life without a family living abroad in the hope that I can help fight for the title and place in the group stage of the Champions League.
“Whatever condition I was in, at any moment, and even when I entered the game in the cup match against Dinamo, beyond the recommendations of all doctors, risking an injury that would end my career, I did my best to achieve a common goal.
‘I REJECTED OFFERS FROM SERIOUS CLUBS’
“From the first day until today, I have adhered to agreements, contracts, set rules, but also spoken words, and twice after the Euros I rejected offers from serious clubs to help [Split] this summer.”
Following eight appearances for Hadjuk at the back end of last season, Perisic played at Euro 2024 for Croatia.
He then returned to Hadjuk on a permanent basis, with Gattuso being hired as the club’s new manager, and Ivan Rakitic arriving as another star signing.
After just four appearances this season, however, and having rejected an offer from Sevilla, Perisic was on the move once again.
He added: “Well, I guess it’s clear to everyone that I didn’t choose Hajduk and Split because of money or healthcare.
“In my desire to help, I put my health and my family on the back burner many times and I don’t regret it because I don’t know any other way, but on Sunday evening someone else stepped forward and decided that he no longer needed my help.
“As for last season, unfortunately, we failed. As hard as failure feels to me as it does to all the guys and all the fans who have been waiting for the title for almost 20 years, failure is the same part of football.
“Since I’m comfortable in my skin, I have been looking at Hajduk as something big and I will behave [professionally] in a moment that is extremely difficult for me and my family.
“I wish the club all the luck, victory on Thursday, placement in Europe and winning the title, regardless of whoever is at the club.”
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Perisic will now have the opportunity to play in the Champions League for his new club.
PSV were in European action on Tuesday, but fell 3-1 at Juventus.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
