Juande Ramos says moving to Tottenham was his destiny.

He said: "Destiny has presented me with the most ambitious, biggest opportunity I've ever had. I'm well aware a coach can be sacked because of bad results - and that a coach can receive an offer which is simply impossible to refuse.

"This is precisely the challenge which I have been wrestling with over the last few days. I'm sure that the love Seville fans have for their club means some will not understand my decision but life can bring you special opportunities which you cannot possibly ignore. There is a saying that occasionally the train goes past and you must catch it because it will never come back, and that's true even when it is passing at an inopportune moment."

A spectacular £5.2million-a-season deal from Spurs also provided a massive incentive to leave Spain. And Spurs could still have to fork out another £3.3m compensation to Sevilla.

Ramos will say farewell to his Spanish team early today and then fly to London.

He said: "I know I'm only getting this chance because of the work and sacrifice I have put in, the degree to which my family have had to suffer for my work, but also because of those around me, who have given everything they have. Sevilla FC is much bigger than any coach, or any player, and the passion and greatness of their fans will carry them onwards.

"But I could never forgive myself if I rejected the type of challenge which is on offer to a humble guy like me who is already over 50.

"It's a chance to explore the very limit of my capabilities."