Radu Dragusin sent a heartfelt message to Genoa fans after his move to Tottenham and said he felt a ‘really good connection’ with Spurs coach Ange Postecoglou.
Tottenham confirmed Dragusin’s €30m transfer on Thursday. It is believed a €31m deal including add-ons, but the initial ‘fixed’ fee for Spurs is €25m.
The 21-year-old had joined Genoa in 2022 on an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy from Juventus and contributed to Il Grifone’s Serie A promotion last term. He scored two goals in 19 Serie A appearances this season, including one against Inter in December 2023.
Dragusin penned a letter for Genoa supporters after his move to North London, publishing it on Instagram.
“It’s hard to explain in a few words a period of my life that has meant a lot to me, but I’ll try,” he said.
“It was difficult to write so many exciting pages together, but we made it. It was difficult to forget the steps we took together, from the promotion dream to these months in Serie A. I will never forget them. Actually, I’ll remember them forever.
“It’s hard, but there are moments in life where we have to part ways. I’ll miss celebrating in a dream stadium, jumping with you at the end of the game. Turn towards the Curva Nord and have goosebumps and joke because the cameras have an angle on me. I’ll miss all your affection.
“Thank you, Genoa, thank you, Genoani. You will forever be in my heart. I want to bid farewell like this, with a few, sincere words. I love you so much.”
Over 2,000 fans commented on Dragusin’s social media post. Most of them were Genoa fans thanking Dragusin for his accomplishments at the club and Tottenham supporters welcoming him to North London.
Dragusin scored six goals in 62 appearances with Genoa, playing in Serie A and Serie B with Il Grifone.
He also played for Juventus, Salernitana and Sampdoria in Italy’s top flight.
The 21-year-old has also released his first interview as a Tottenham played, saying that the decision to join Spurs was inside his heart.
“I just feel excited and happy. It’s a big step for me, but I can say that it’s the right step. I can say that the decision was inside my heart.
“I had a couple of talks with the coach; I felt a really good connection with him since we started. He told me that he really wanted me to join the team. He enjoys my way of playing and he thinks I am a good fit for this team. I like this kind of football. High defensive line, be aggressive with a lot of space in the back to defend.
“I can say I am a guy that gives everything for the team. It’s a dream to play football for these sorts of teams, I can ensure I will do everything on the pitch.”
Dragusin will reunite with some former Juventus players, such as Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur.
“It feels good to meet them again,” said Dragusin.
“We were at Juve three years ago and I cannot wait to meet them and all the other guys.”
He will also share the dressing room with Guglielmo Vicario, Destiny Udogie and Cristian Romero who previously played in Serie A.
“Although I don’t know them personally, it’s good to know I can talk Italian with other players here,” said Dragusin.
“I joined Juventus when I was 16 years old, and it was pretty tough. I am not gonna lie, but I understood you have to make sacrifices for your dreams. Work for them, give everything and without sacrifice and will of work, you cannot achieve them.”