Hull City defender Michael Dawson admits leaving Tottenham was "emotional".
Dawson left Spurs for Hull in August.
"I never thought I would be there that long when I moved from Nottingham Forest," he told the Daily Express. "It was an amazing time and it was emotionally hard to leave.
"It was made clear I would not play as much football as I would like under Pochettino. When the chance came to come to Hull and I could see what they were building last year and with getting to the Cup final, I was delighted.
"They were fantastic last season and to stay in the Premier League in their first season back was an achievement. To attract the players they did meant something as well. When it was made clear my opportunities would be lessened at Spurs, that was a good reason to come to Hull.
"Steve Bruce was a big factor in me coming as he was a centre-half, and speaking to Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore, who I was with at Spurs, helped. They told me what he was like and I was excited about playing under him.
"I have huge respect for Spurs and still have a lot of friends there. I keep in touch with lots of people and it was a sad day to leave, but I am looking forward to playing against them and being able to thank the fans, who were fantastic to me, through some hard times. I was also very fortunate to captain the side when Ledley King retired, something I will always be proud of."
