Spurs boss rules himself out for Dutch star

By European Football
November 19 2005

Tottenham Hotspur boss Martin Jol has stated that he believes they would have no chance persuading Dutch star Arjen Robben from their London rivals Chelsea.

There had been speculation that Robben could be on the move from Chelsea following a bust up with boss Jose Mourinho, but Jol was insistent that the chance to sign Robben was three years ago, not now:

"It's impossible," said Jol. "I don't know if you know what those sort of clubs pay in wages.

"You know our philosophy. We should have identified Robben three years ago.

"We don't want to buy them when they are worth £20 million, so we buy them earlier.

"Then we have to develop them into £20 million players."