Stalteri's Spurs desire

Paul Stalteri has told skysports.com his reasons for signing for Tottenham.

The Canada international has concurred on a four-year contract with Spurs to join Martin Jol's side on a free transfer from Werder Bremen.

The full back recently decided to end his seven-year association with the former German champions and a move to England was his goal.

Charlton Athletic and Manchester City were linked with the 27-year-old, who conceded he received offers from other Premiership clubs.

He opted not to unmask the identity of his other suitors but confirmed there were also offers from various clubs around Europe.

But the chance to join an ambitious Tottenham team swayed Stalteri into rejecting the interest from elsewhere in favour of a deal in North London.

"It was a tough decision to leave Bremen when I decided to but it was definitely my goal and my dream to play in The Premiership one time," Stalteri told skysports.com.

"Obviously I'm delighted it's a top club like Tottenham.

"In the last little while they've expressed an interest and they've watched a lot of games this year.

"There was a lot of potential clubs and a lot of other offers that came my way.

"I won't comment on names but my top club and top decision was Tottenham. It's a massive club and there is great potential. That's why I chose to join them."

Stalteri, who can also operate in a variety of positions, has accrued valuable experience during his time in Die Bundesliga.

He admits this was a key reason why Spurs boss Jol and sporting director Frank Arnesen made a move for his services.

"Obviously it's important for me to know the coach wants a player and he expressed he wanted me to join the club," added Stalteri.

"That (Stalteri's experience) was one of the things we spoke about with Frank. That experience could definitely help.

"He felt there was a little lack of experience this season and that was one of the reasons for signing me because I have that experience, not only in Europe, but of winning things in Germany, too, and I could bring that winning mentality to the club."

Stalteri will be joined at White Hart Lane by Teemu Tainio and Tom Huddlestone in the summer and there could be further additions ahead of next season.

Spurs have adopted a policy of bringing in young talent over the past couple of seasons and Stalteri feels there is the potential to achieve a European spot next term, after the club just missed out on the Uefa Cup this time around.

"The club have such great young players and there is huge potential at the club," he continued.

"We want to be one of the top teams in The Premiership and we want to get into one of those automatic Uefa Cup spots."