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AVTV Interviews: The American Dream
Clint Dempsey joined Aston Villa in the winter window, after one and a half month of being a Tottenham player where he made only 5 appearances. Now seeing the back of his time at White Hart Lane, he will go back to face the team who almost killed his national career - but this time, as an opponent. Here, in our special monthly section, we interview Clint on his time at Tottenham, Aston Villa, and who he thinks is the best player at the club.
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Have you been settling in well?
Clint Dempsey: Very. Brad Guzan is a good mate of mine so it helps.
In stark contrast to your 5 appearances in a Tottenham jersey, you have scored 4 in 7 appearances for Aston Villa. Why do you think that was so?
Clint Dempsey: Perhaps it's because David has been showing a lot of confidence in me. Those 5 appearances at Tottenham were like... once every two months. You can see that the Tottenham manager only played me because he had to.
Speaking of Tottenham, what do you think of your time there?
Clint Dempsey: Tottenham are one of the best clubs in the world. That's my opinion. But being there was essentially one of the worst parts of my career. Not playing was hard, especially foreign because I was accustomed to being in the line-up every week at Fulham. But knowing some of the great lads there like Gareth Bale was brilliant. Did you know he once dressed up as a monkey in one of our crazy fancy dress parties? Haha!
That is certainly interesting. Have you regretted leaving Fulham though?
Clint Dempsey: For Tottenham? Yes, definitely. Who wouldn't?
If you knew about how your Tottenham career would end, would you still have signed that contract that summer?
Clint Dempsey: Most definitely not. It was a waste of one-and-a-half years, to be completely honest.
What do you think of David Beckham, then?
Clint Dempsey: Fantastic. I think every manager should try adopting his style. He talks with everyone in the club, making sure they're comfortable. The new signings, the key players, the youth players, the benchwarmers, everyone. Everyone knows him as both a great man to talk to, and not only a manager. At Tottenham, it was different. The manager there, Marcelo Bielsa, and before him, Andre Villas-Boas, couldn't care less about the players who weren't important.
Who is the best player in the Aston Villa squad so far?
Clint Dempsey: Without a doubt, Wellington Nem. Some might say Darren Bent, because of the goals he's banging in, or Ciaran Clark. All three are quality players but I think Nem exceeds them all with those beautiful crosses. I've known him for barely two months but we are already working flawlessly on the wings.
Have you ever thought of returning to the Major League Soccer to end your playing career?
Clint Dempsey: I haven't, no. I absolutely love the quality and style of English football. I love England and the Premier League. If the Premier League wants me, I want the Premier League. If a club in the Prem or the Championship are still interested in me, I will never leave English football.
Are you looking forward to facing Tottenham on the weekend?
Clint Dempsey: Yes, very. I hope I'm playing!
Any chances of you scoring a hat trick?
Clint Dempsey: You never know! Hahahaha!
See you all next month in our next session of AVTV Interviews.
Aston Villa 2 - 0 Tottenham
Nem
West Bromwich 1 - 1 Aston Villa
Aston Villa 0 - 1 Newcastle
