Former Shrewsbury Town loanee Gylfi Sigurdsson today revealed he opted to sign for Tottenham rather than Liverpool because the club are on the brink of “big things”.

Sigurdsson completed his journey from a loan spell at the Greenhous Meadow to joining one of English football’s giants by signing a five-year-deal with Spurs for a fee in the region of £7m.

The 22-year-old Icelandic international made six appearances for Shrewsbury in 2008 when he was signed on loan by then boss Paul Simpson from Reading.

He scored on his debut against Bournemouth but Simpson’s hopes of extending the loan were dashed by his parent club.

Sigurdsson was subsequently sold for £6 million to German club Hoffenheim and had a spell on loan with Swansea in the second half of last season, netting seven times in 19 appearances.

Brendan Rodgers, then Swansea boss but now in charge of Liverpool, was keen to take the midfielder to Anfield but the player has instead opted to move to White Hart Lane as he believes Spurs will be serious contenders for a Champions League berth next season.

“I enjoyed playing under Brendan and I am grateful for everything he has done for me, but after careful consideration I liked Spurs best,” Sigurdsson said.

“The team has world-class players in their ranks and they play good football, which I like.

“I was impressed with the club’s plans for next season and the coming years.

“There is clearly great ambition at Tottenham and the club intends to do big things.

“It is a pleasure to see that Gareth Bale has signed a new contract.”

Sigurdsson has become the first signing of Andre Villas-Boas, who was named as Harry Redknapp’s replacement this week

“I like him and the ideas he has,” Sigurdsson added.

“He has faith in me and I’m looking forward to working under his leadership.”

Sigurdsson’s arrival has raised questions about the future of Luka Modric at Tottenham.