By Harry Sykes
Nabil Bentaleb has revealed that it is the right time for him to bring to an end his five-year association with Tottenham.
Spurs announced on their official Twitter account on Friday evening that they had reached an agreement with Schalke for the midfielder to join the Bundesliga club on a permanent basis.
Bentaleb, 22, subsequently took to social media to express his delight at securing a move following a successful loan spell in which he has proven himself in a new playmaker role.
The Algeria international claimed on his personal Twitter account he looked forward to “new beginnings” at Schalke and offered his “thanks to everyone at the club” for their faith placed in him.
Delighted to move permanently to @s04 new beginnings thanks to everyone at the club for trusting me and thanks to the fans for the support????????
— Nabil Bentaleb (@nabilbentaleb42) February 24, 2017
Bentaleb said he had “great memories” of his five years at Tottenham but insisted that it was the right time to move on to pastures new.
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2011-2016 great memories …
Thanks to everyone at the club now it’s time for me to move on , all the best !— Nabil Bentaleb (@nabilbentaleb42) February 24, 2017
Bentaleb joined Schalke last summer on a season-long loan but Sky Sports reported earlier in the month that the deal included a clause that he could move permanently for £16million if he played in 20 league matches for the club.
The Algerian reached that total in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Cologne and Spurs moved to confirm his exit after the landmark was triggered.
We have reached agreement with Schalke for the permanent transfer of Nabil Bentaleb this summer. We wish Nabil all the best for the future. pic.twitter.com/3mFztc45xQ
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) February 24, 2017
Bentaleb initially move to Tottenham in January 2012 after having a trial with fellow English side Birmingham.
He made his debut for the club in 2013 and went on to play in 66 matches for the north London side, establishing himself under ex-manager Tim Sherwood before Mauricio Pochettino made him a regular in central midfield in his first season at the club.
But Bentaleb slipped down the pecking order last season amid question marks about his attitude and played his last game for Spurs in the middle of last season.
His future now lies with Schalke, where he has provided five goals and five assists in 27 matches this season.
In other Tottenham news, Jermaine Jenas has labelled this former Spurs midfielder an absolute disgrace.
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