Shevchenko attack on Spurs

14 April 2012

Andriy Shevchenko has said Tottenham were not a "big enough club" for his Ukrainian international strike partner Sergei Rebrov.

The newly-crowned European Footballer of the Year believes Rebrov's career went into freefall as soon as he signed for Spurs four-and-a-half years ago.

Shevchenko said: "I still say he's one of the best strikers in Europe, and I know that for a fact. I think he made a mistake joining Tottenham. They weren't a big enough club for him."

Rebrov and Shevchenko formed a devastating partnership for Dynamo Kiev and the Ukraine national team before Rebrov's £11million move to White Hart Lane in the summer of 2000.

While Shevchenko matured into one of the finest players in Europe at AC Milan, Rebrov became a frustrated figure at Spurs as he was left out of the first-team picture by successive managers George Graham, Glenn Hoddle and David Pleat.

Two loan moves to Turkish club Fenerbahce followed before Rebrov was eventually snapped up by West Ham on a free transfer last summer.

Even though Rebrov, 30, has not won a regular starting place at Upton Park, Shevchenko believes the striker's confidence went at White Hart Lane.

He said: "I know that under one Spurs manager Sergei was especially unhappy, and an unhappy footballer will never play well.

"It makes me sad, as I know how good he could have been. When I left Kiev, I knew there were many clubs in Europe that were interested in me. Tottenham were one, but not one that I ever gave any consideration to."

Shevchenko is now targeting another Champions League trophy with Milan, who take on Manchester United in the knock-out round. "Manchester United have a lot of experience in the competition, but a lot has changed since they won it," he said. "I think the players that made them great are past their best."

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David Jones (Footballer)

Tottenham Hotspur

Shevchenko attack on Spurs

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