Aston Villa winger Stewart Downing reveals turmoil over failed Tottenham move

Stewart Downing admits Spurs’ aborted swoop left him in turmoil.

And the winger is anxious to terrorise the Londoners today after Aston Villa paid £12million for him when crocked.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp was desperate to buy Downing in January and had a big-money bid of over £10m rejected.

Downing, 25, fancied a move to White Hart Lane to join pal Jonathan Woodgate and admits his form suffered as Boro forced him to stay.

He then broke a metatarsal in April ironically against Villa and was ruled out for months.

Spurs cooled their interest in Downing as the left-footed winger was due to be sidelined until December.

But Villa boss Martin O’Neill, who also had a bid rejected in January, still pursued the England ace following Boro’s relegation to the Championship.

And Downing said: “Once I knew I was injured and the manager still wanted to sign me, this is where I wanted to come.

“He said he still wanted me even if I wasn’t fit until December which as a player is what you want to hear.

“For him to pay out £12m for a player on crutches is brilliant.

“The physio said he has never seen a medical go through for someone so injured.

“I can’t wait to get started and do well for him - it is great what the manager did for me.”

Downing made his Villa debut coming off the bench at Burnley in a 1-1 draw last weekend.

And he is now pushing for a start against Spurs as he also hopes to rekindle his dreams of going to the World Cup with England.

The irony of Villa’s opponents is not lost on Downing after Spurs spent much of last term trying to sign him.

Downing, who has 23 caps, added: “The Tottenham thing in January was complicated between the clubs and just wasn’t happening.

“I was aware of a bid from Tottenham - I got told by the chairman and Gareth Southgate.

“They weren’t prepared to sell me though and I just had to get my head down and get on with it.

“The first half of the season I didn’t do too well if I am honest.

“It was tough on me and after January I had no option but to get my head down and do well.

“The second part of the season when I knew I wouldn’t be leaving I just got my head down and played.”

Downing was powerless to prevent his hometown team being relegated as he got crocked by a late Stiliyan Petrov tackle.

He said: “It was a frustrating season but it is nice to be back playing again and play in a winning team as well.”

Petrov has since apologised repeatedly but Downing is still considering giving him the metal pin from his broken foot.

Petrov said: “When you see someone who loves it unable to play because of injury - and an injury that I was involved in - then that is not very pleasant to see.”