Spurs man ‘enjoyed’ sight of tanks, snipers and convoy surrounding team coach during Chechnya trip

The midfielder made a trip to Chechnyan side Terek Grozny last weekend and perversely enjoyed the presence of tanks and snipers during the trip.

“It was definitely something I’ve not experienced before. We flew into Chechnya just 45 minutes before kick-off, went to the stadium, ran out the tunnel, played the game and then turned back to the airport.

“The coach ride in was something else. There were tanks on the street, army snipers at every cross-section and a four-car convoy surrounding the team coach.

“I enjoyed it in a strange way, I knew they were there to protect us. Being a London boy who hadn’t seen anything like that, I just found myself staring out the window in amazement. I have a much better appreciation for my own country now. We really don’t realise how lucky we are.”