Jose Mourinho joined Tottenham due to potential in club academy and first-team squad

Jose Mourinho says the quality within the Tottenham first-team squad and their academy convinced him to take the job in north London.

The former Chelsea and Manchester United boss comes into replace Mauricio Pochettino, who was dismissed by the club on Tuesday evening.

Less than 12 hours after that decision, Spurs confirmed the appointment of Mourinho on a deal until the end of the 2022-23 season – with ‘The Special One’ set to lead Spurs out for the first time against West Ham on Saturday.

Speaking for the first time since the appointment, Mourinho told Tottenham’s official website: “I am excited to be joining a club with such a great heritage and such passionate supporters.

"The quality in both the squad and the academy excites me. Working with these players is what has attracted me.”

Mourinho is expected to lead training at Tottenham for the first time on Wednesday afternoon.