James Maddison was reminded about Spurs' trophy drought during interview, his response is class

James Maddison says he wouldn't have joined Spurs if he thought the club weren't capable of winning a trophy.

The 26-year-old attacking midfielder, who signed for the North London club from Leicester in June for a reported £40 million, is determined to bring success to his new club.

Speaking to talkSPORT at the TNT Sports launch on Wednesday night, Maddison opened up about a number of subjects, including leaving the King Power and how it will "scar him forever".

He was also reminded about Spurs' almost 16-year wait for a trophy. "It's well documented by you lot [the media] that Spurs haven't won a trophy for a long time," he said.

"But honestly, if I didn't think that Tottenham were capable of winning a trophy, then I wouldn't have gone there and I genuinely believe that.

"People will write whatever they want to write but we need to have that focus and that determination and that hunger to be the team that does bring Tottenham silverware. So, that's the aim, that's the ambition."

Here's how social media reacted to Maddison's response.

One fan wrote: "The perfect type of character we need in the dressing room. Big fan of the way this man talks," while another commented: "Love this from Madders."

A third said: "I like this lad, very positive and I imagine this is good for his teammates."

A fourth wrote: "Ironic thing is Maddison has won a trophy more recently than Tottenham. I admire his optimistic view for his new team."

A fifth added: "The way he speaks I do really love it. Feels like and seems like Ange has put a lot of belief in the players and really has the players bevelling we can win too which is so crucial for us."

Maddison, who notched 19 goal contributions in 32 appearances last season, also opened up about his exit from Leicester in the candid interview.

"I was there for five years, built up such a brilliant relationship with everyone at the club, the fans, the owner, the staff," he added.

"It didn't end how I wanted it to, I didn't want it to end on that sour note. I think that will probably have scarred me forever to be honest. Not to go too deep but I didn't want to leave on that note, that sour note of relegation.

"Just because I think so highly of the club, it's almost like a bit of a pride hit for us players as being the players who took Leicester back to the Championship which isn't nice.

"But listen, we're professionals, we get on with it, we dust ourselves down, this is my new journey.

"Touch wood, fingers crossed Leicester can come straight back up, I think they've got a really good chance to do so and I really hope they do, it's a fantastic club. But yeah, Tottenham's my club now, blinkers on, onwards and upwards."

Last month, during his first press conference as manager, Ange Postecoglou was also reminded that Spurs have failed to lift a major trophy in 15 years – and his response earned widespread praise from fans.

“You’ve painted a pretty bleak picture. I was excited about this role!” he joked.

"But to be fair, that's why I'm here. That's what I love about it, all those things that are not here. And that's what I want to bring. I want to bring success, bring European football. I want this club to be where it deserves to be."

Featured Image Credit: talkSPORT/Twitter

Topics: James Maddison, Leicester City, Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur

Jack Kenmare

Senior Journalist at SPORTbible with a passion for long-form journalism. Almost 10 years’ experience across online and print.

@jackkenmare_