Tottenham maverick risks fury of fans with astonishing Arsenal comments

Adel Taarabt has launched a scathing attack on former club Tottenham whilst confessing he regrets not joining north London rivals Arsenal instead. The Moroccan midfielder proved a polarising figure throughout his Premier League career, yet his mesmerising talent in the centre of the park eventually made him a beloved figure at QPR.

However, his initial spell in English football with Spurs proved far more challenging as he battled to establish himself in the first team. Across his opening three campaigns, he managed a mere 15 outings before securing a loan move to QPR during the 2008/09 season.

It was at Loftus Road where supporters witnessed his spellbinding performances in midfield - netting 19 times during the 2010-11 campaign as he propelled the club to promotion under Neil Warnock's guidance.

His career subsequently took him to Fulham, AC Milan, Benfica and Genoa, with the playmaker now plying his trade in the UAE with Sharjah FC.

Looking back on his Tottenham stint during a talkSPORT interview, he revealed he might have chosen differently with the benefit of hindsight, citing Arsenal's abundance of French-speaking talent.

"My first choice that I think was not good was - not to sign for Tottenham, because Tottenham is a good club - but at that time I had offers to go to Arsenal and it was a more French club with Arsene Wenger and a lot of French players," he shared.

For the latest breaking stories and headlines, sign up to our Daily Express transfer newsletter.

"At Tottenham, I arrived in the dressing room with Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov, big characters, difficult to get a chance. I followed Damien Comoli, he was at Arsenal, I should've gone to Arsenal, but suddenly he was at Tottenham and he brought me there."

Despite his undeniable talent, Taarabt's time in English football was marred by criticism over his attitude, lack of work ethic, and controversies away from the pitch.

Harry Redknapp famously called him out for being overweight and unfit during their time at QPR, and Taarabt once made a scene by storming off after being substituted in a match against Fulham.

In a light-hearted moment during the same interview, Warnock half-jokingly threatened a fine and acknowledged that while Taarabt could be "hard work," his talent was undeniable.

"Next time you come on, will you watch your language or I'll be fining you!" Warnock quipped to Taarabt. "I get people stopping me in the street thanking me for that year [2010/11], saying: 'Adel, how good was he?'

"We had problems and you were hard work at times, but the pleasure that you gave me and the fans was fabulous."