Defoe: I was hurt

"But I had my family around me as well as my agent and they all told me to just get on with my football and let that do the talking.

"I accept it was wrong to hand in the request but I never withdrew it. I just said sorry and tried to put it all behind me.

"I think my transfer request could have been handled differently. It was a mistake but I would like to thank the West Ham fans who gave me great support ever since I joined the club as a 17-year-old. I really appreciated that."

Defoe also admitted it had been difficult for him to watch close friends Glen Johnson, Joe Cole and Freddie Kanoute all quit Upton Park to back into the Premiership.

Defoe, who was linked with a move to Manchester United last summer, was desperate to return to the big time. And even though Spurs have yet to appoint a new manager, Defoe was only too happy to accept the chance to return to the Premiership with the north London club.

"It has been difficult for me at times but I've tried hard to keep my head down and play football," he said. "It was hard to see Glen, Joe and Freddie all move on. I still speak to them but when I was watching them on Sky in the Premiership I knew I wanted to be there.

"I see Spurs as a massive club and I'm really looking forward to the challenge. I was sitting at home on Sunday night looking forward to our next game against Bradford when I got the call from Tottenham.

"The fact that they haven't got a manager really didn't bother me as I am just looking forward to playing.

"I am very ambitious and I want to play at the top level and achieve things. I am very hungry to do well in the game."

One of the main reasons Defoe chose Spurs was it will increase his chances of winning a place in the England squad for Euro 2004 this summer. Defoe is tipped as a possible outsider for inclusion and he is hoping this move could be the springboard he needs.

"I was still thinking about that when I was at West Ham," he said. "When Trevor Brooking was in charge of the club earlier in the season he told me to keep doing my stuff and I might have a chance. I think I've got a greater chance now I've come here."

Defoe is ineligible to make his debut in tomorrow night's FA Cup fourth-round replay at home to Manchester City but looks certain to face Portsmouth on Saturday.

Gus Poyet is available for the FA Cup tie after completing a threematch ban and Mauricio Taricco is expected to have recovered from a bruised foot and could play.

Meanwhile, Paul Robinson could still become a Spurs player before the end of the season if Leeds United go into administration.

The England goalkeeper's proposed £2m switch to White Hart Lane collapsed at the last minute on deadline day because of Premier League rules.

But now Spurs could still get their man if Leeds, with debts of more than £100m, plunge into administration on Friday, the deadline United have to convince creditors they have enough money to see out the season.

Administrators would then order a reduction in staff with players being allowed to leave for cut-price fees.