Ryan Nelsen joins Tottenham Hotspur after leaving Blackburn

Ryan Nelsen has completed his move to Tottenham Hotspur from Blackburn Rovers on a six-month deal.

The 34-year-old defender was released from his Rovers contract and soon emerged as a deadline day target for Spurs, after Sébastien Bassong joined Wolves on loan for the rest of the season.

The New Zealand captain has the option to extend his White Hart Lane contract by another year at the end of the season, and cited the chance to challenge for silverware as the motivation behind his move to north London.

“Medals, trophies are things you strive for. Blackburn got to five semis and never made a final, so it’s very exciting,” Nelsen told 3News.

“It feels like you’re going back to the first day of school, everyone will be looking at you and judging you so I better clean my boots and comb my hair – it’ll be fun.”

Meanwhile, Rovers boss Steve Kean paid tribute to Nelsen and revealed that the defender turned down a coaching opportunity in America after learning of Spurs’ interest.

“He had an offer to become a player-coach at an American club, a situation that he was very excited about,” said Kean.

“It was over a two-year period and then right at the very last minute Tottenham came in and offered him a short-term contract until the end of the season.

“I don’t know if the opportunity in America will still be there, I would imagine so, so he’s decided to take a short-term contract.

“He was a fabulous servant for the club and we wish him all the best, because it’s going to be another chapter in his career.”