Tottenham Hotspur defender Joe Rodon has spoken about his decision to leave the club for a season-long loan in France this summer, and cites the upcoming World Cup as a big factor.
Rodon joined Spurs in October 2020, but has made just 24 appearances for the club (Transfermarkt). Despite clearly having talent, the Welshman has never quite reached his potential in North London.
The decision was made to loan Rodon to Ligue 1 side Rennes this summer, and a permanent move could be secured for a fee of £16.7 million (Football.London).
Rodon has had a difficult start to life in France, with media outlet Maxi Foot criticising his early performances for Rennes. Things are looking up though, and Rodon was even named man of the match in a recent draw against Marseille.
As Rodon prepares for international duty with Wales, and looks ahead to the winter World Cup in Qatar, he has spoken about the reasons behind his decision to swap North London for the East of France (Wales Online).
He said: “I speak to [Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey] a lot and they give me advice and guidance along the way. I am thankful for that. I can always reach out to them because they are top professionals and brilliant senior players.
“I can only look up to them and whatever advice they give can only benefit me along the way. Of course, no player wants to be going to a World Cup, having hardly played a minute of football. As everyone is aware, I haven’t played that much over the last two years.
“I think it was really important for me and my development to be exposed and be put in a position where I play a lot of games. That will improve me and give me more confidence.
“I’ve settled well. The first couple of weeks are obviously going to be challenging and different but as they’ve gone on, it’s got better and better.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Joe Rodon clearly wasn’t going to get much game time at Tottenham Hotspur this season, so he made the right decision to get first-team football elsewhere, and a move to a different country can be hugely rewarding for a young player too.
He’s a talented player, and hopefully there is a future for him at Spurs. But if not, it’s hoped he can do a good job out in France and secure a permanent move elsewhere that will benefit him.
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