Aurier says PSG did not understood his capability

Serge Aurier says he left Paris St-Germain for Tottenham because the French champions “did not respect his true worth”.

The Ivory Coast international believes the statistics prove he has been “the most influential defender in Ligue 1” for the past four seasons.

Aurier could make his Spurs debut at Everton on Saturday after completing a ₤ 23m move from France as a replacement for Kyle Walker, who was sold to Manchester City.

I wanted a new life because PSG didn’t respect my true worth,” he told The Sun. “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.”