PSG sold the best defender in Ligue 1: Sergio Aurier

London, September 6: Tottenham's new signing Serge Aurier has taken a swipe at his former club Paris Saint-Germain, saying they sold 'the best defender in Ligue 1'.

Aurier joined Spurs in a £23million deadline day deal as a replacement for Kyle Walker and can't wait to get started in the Premier League.

But ahead of his first match - which could come this Saturday (September 9) away at Everton - he took a dig at PSG for allowing him to leave, reports talksports.com.

Aurier said: "I wanted a new life because PSG didn't respect my true worth. They dwelt on other matters beside football. Statistically speaking, I am the most influential defender in Ligue 1 between 2013 and now. I have also won nine trophies with PSG.

"There are more striking things about my career than what happened off the field, but this is what they preferred to linger over.

"I feel free now. PSG offered me a new three-year deal, but I have left them for a new adventure. I turned them down for a number of reasons. I want to discover a new way of life.

"I got on well with everyone at the club - bosses, players, coaches and fans - and the proof comes from the fact they wanted to keep me. But I had to think of myself. It is a personal decision.

"I had some business with the police that was blown up by the media in Europe. Normally when a matter goes on for a year or more they move on to something else.

"But in my case there was far too much of a fuss. If I hadn't been mentally strong I would have cracked up.

"I could have stayed another year or two. PSG's president Nasser Al-Khelaifi is like a second father to me and the team is like a family.

"I hurt some people with my decision to leave but that is life. I wanted to see a new world.

"Tottenham are an ambitious club that plays good football and often finishes around the top of the Premier League.

"I have always dreamed of playing in England and I have seized the opportunity that has come my way."