12 January 2006, by Tom Kundert

Pedro Mendes completes Portsmouth move

Tottenham chapter closes

Pedro Mendes has moved from Tottenham Hotspur to Premiership rivals Portsmouth.

“I have made this move for my own happiness. I’m very proud that the manager here was so keen to sign me and I am going to do my best to help the team get out of trouble,” said the 26-year-old.

Portsmouth are currently struggling in the relegation zone but have been busy strengthening their squad during the transfer window, largely funded by Russian businessman Alexandre Gaydamak, who recently became joint owner of the club.

Mendes makes the switch to Fratton Park along with team mates Sean Davis and Noe Pamarot, to the delight of coach Harry Redknapp who said, “These are top Premiership players and will be a massive asset to us.”

The transfer brings to an end a frustrating period in Mendes’ career which has seen him make just a handful of appearances this season.

The Champions League winner made a promising start in the Premiership following his move from Porto in the summer of 2004, but Spurs signed a cluster of midfielders in the close season and Mendes did not figure in manager Martin Jol’s plans for the London club.

Mendes will be hoping to recapture the form that earned him two appearances for Portugal during his Porto days.