Multiple Tottenham Hotspur players have posted emotional tributes to Ange Postecoglou after his sacking on Friday afternoon.
Postecoglou’s time as Spurs manager was ruthlessly ended by the board just 16 days after he had led his team to victory in the UEFA Europa League final.
That 1-0 win over Manchester United in Bilbao ended Tottenham’s 17-year wait for a major trophy and also earned a place in next season’s Champions League.
However, the season concluded with a 4-1 home defeat by Brighton. That was Tottenham’s 22nd loss of a dismal Premier League campaign, which saw them finish just one place above the relegation zone.
Tottenham published a 368-word club statement on Friday, thanking Postecoglou for his work but also claiming that the board had voted ‘unanimously’ that a change of manager was the best way forward.
Later on Friday, Spurs right back Pedro Porro took to Instagram and posted three photos of himself and Postecoglou along with a heartfelt message.
Pedro Porro, pictured riding on the back of Ange Postecoglou following last month’s Europa League final, wrote an emotional message after Tottenham sacked their manager on Friday
Postecoglou was dismissed just 16 days after ending Tottenham’s 17-year wait for a trophy
‘Thank you for everything, boss,’ Porro’s message began. ‘For mentoring me early on, helping me settle into the club, and trusting me out on the pitch.
‘I’ll always be grateful for the way you led us, defended us, and kept us going through all the highs and lows.
‘Above everything, you gave us one of the greatest moments in the club’s history and for that, you’ll always be celebrated. Wishing you all the very best, boss’.
Striker Richarlison added: ‘Mister, massive thanks for helping me out and believing in me during one of the trickiest periods of my career and my life.
‘Everyone who loves the Spurs will remember that Big Ange always bags trophies in his second season. We’ve made history! Cheers and good luck on your journey! I’ll always be rooting for you’.
Fellow forward Dominic Solanke later wrote: ‘Thank you for bringing me to this wonderful club, thank you for bringing us a wonderful trophy.
‘Won’t ever forget the convo we had before I signed and we achieved a dream! All the best in your next adventure’.
Postecoglou had earlier issued a statement of his own. In it, he spoke of his pride at having delivered European glory to ‘one of England’s historic football clubs’.
Brazilian striker Richarlison, pictured (left) celebrating with his Europa League medal, thanked Postecoglou for ‘believing in me during one of the trickiest periods of my career and my life’
Dominic Solanke also penned a thank you note to Postecoglou, who signed him last summer
The statement read: ‘When I reflect on my time as Manager of Tottenham Hotspur my overriding emotion is one of pride.
‘The opportunity to lead one of England’s historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime. Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget.
‘That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream. There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible.
‘We have also laid foundations that mean this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success. I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them.
‘I sincerely want to thank those who are the lifeblood of the club, the supporters. I know there were some difficult times but I always felt that they wanted me to succeed and that gave me all the motivation I needed to push on.
‘It’s important to acknowledge the hard working people at Spurs who gave me encouragement on a daily basis.
‘And finally, I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years. A fantastic group of young men who are now legends of this football club and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special.
‘We are forever connected. Audere est Facere.’
