Toby Alderweireld has expressed his gratitude to Southampton following his move to Tottenham.

The Belgian international has left Atletico Madrid to sign a five-year deal with Spurs for a reported fee of £11.4million.

Alderweireld spent last season on loan with the Saints, and was expected to join them on a permanent deal, but Spurs swooped and lured him to White Hart Lane where he will now link up with fellow Belgians Nacer Chadli, Jan Vertonghen and Mousa Dembele.

The former Ajax star knows that there will be an element of displeasure at Southampton but still wanted to take the opportunity to thank the south coast club for reigniting his passion for the game and reinvigorating his career.

"I understand that there is some disappointment," he said. "I have sent a text message to Ronald and thanked him for a great year.

"He gave me a lot of confidence and made me a better footballer. Thanks to Southampton I am able to be on the map again after a difficult year at Atletico.

"I gave 100 per cent for Southampton and wish everyone luck for next season, but I have always been closely following Tottenham. It's always been a dream to play for a very big club this size and now it's come true. I'm very proud.

"I got the impression that Spurs would like my help. Their stats were the reason why the club wanted to reinforce defensively. It's good that I have a year of experience playing in the Premier League.

"But also I joined because there are so many Belgians. It will be fun to be with them every day on the training ground. "Playing centre-back, right-back or in midfield, I will always give my all for this club. I'm looking forward to showing myself for the fans.