Taarabt chose Spurs over Utd

Tottenham's summer signing Abel Taarabt has revealed he chose Tottenham over Man Utd and Chelsea. The Moroccan born French footballer had signed for Spurs from Lens over the summer.

He told Hotspur magazine: "I didn't know much about this club, but I did know Spurs were one of the top five teams in England.

"I had heard of Damien Comolli, who contacted me. I spoke to Chelsea and Manchester United, but I am realistic. I thought I could develop quicker at Spurs. In France, it is like a chess game, with far more tactics, but here it is more open, very fast."

Taarabt's agent, Rudy Raba, says the youngster can be the new Zinedine Zidane.

"I am hoping to become that but it is my agent's opinion," Taarabt said. "Other people have said this as well. I just want to reach that level."