Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen admits he could have easily been running around for Tottenham.

He feels the freedom he enjoys getting forward for the Gunners justifies his decision to head for Arsene Wenger's side.

"As I say that is one of the reasons I decided to join Arsenal," he told the News of the World. "The way of playing. Three years ago I had an offer from, yes Tottenham. But for me, that was too soon.

"In fact, in the summer, I was a bit surprised when my agent got the call for Arsenal.

"I had planned to stay for another year at Ajax. But when I heard the vision I wanted to be part of it.

"If we don't get the trophy this year we can next year playing a special way. That is the vision."