Bostock on leaving Palace for Spurs
Despite there being some confusion over whether an agreement has been made or not between Crystal Palace and Spurs, John Bostock seems quite happy to make the move to the lane.
The 16-year-old told Sportsmail: “I don’t know if Palace fans will ever be able to understand why a genuine Palace supporter left the club, but I was frustrated with the way I was playing under the style of football at the club.
“When I made my debut against Watford, I was ready to commit my future to Palace and could see myself playing a hundred games in no time, but I was stagnating. I need to be at a club where I can continue my development.
“Tottenham have always shown a lot of interest and I believe I will be pushed to improve my game. In the youth team at Palace, it is too easy. Even though most of the players are two years older than me, it is not a challenge. In my last game for the club, against Watford (youth), I scored two and it was just too easy.
“I like Tottenham’s playing style, I will be training with the first team and playing for the reserves in my first season. I could have gone to big clubs, like Chelsea or Barcelona, but Spurs offers me the best career progression. That is my belief.”
He continued: “There has always been the temptation to leave, but my ambition was to become the youngest player to play for Palace and I achieved that. I don’t have any regrets. Palace are going to be rewarded financially for bringing me through the academy system. And rightly so, but it is time to move on.”
Christian Bostock also said: “In the Bible it says that you should put a light on the table so it can shine, not hidden under a bushel where it cannot be seen.
“That played a part in my decision to leave. I can showcase my talent at Spurs. All the pressure I get, I give it to God.”
The youngster praises Palace youth team coach Micky Hazard, who of course had two spells at White Hart Lane from 1978-85 to 1993-95.
Bostock said: “I know people think I have left Palace for the money, but there is another side to this. I don’t think about the money and it never played a part in my decision. People need to understand that I loved playing for Palace. [Micky Hazard was brilliant for my career, encouraging me to do my stuff and really pushing me.
"I owe Micky Hazard a lot. When I broke into the reserves, Dougie Freedman was the coach and he would tell me to do a trick and show what I could do. I enjoyed playing under him.
"My school [the London Nautical] have always been behind me, too, and teachers like Neil McGregor have played a huge part in my development. I am excited about moving to Spurs and playing football in a way that will suit my talents.
“I want to be the best player in the world and I believe I have it. I watch videos of Ronaldinho and Cristiano Ronaldo and believe I can do it. Why should I lower my sights? No one can hold me back. I respect big name players and I admire them, but I’m in the same environment as them now.
“I’ve had emails from supporters telling me they never want to see me at Selhurst Park again, but Palace are my team and that won’t change. I’ve got great memories of the place and if I ever play there, I will go back with my head held high. Neil Warnock gave me my debut and I won’t forget that.”
Tags: John Bostock, Micky Hazard
