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11:12 GMT, Thursday, 31 July 2008 12:12 UK

Bentley shrugs off Arsenal past

David Bentley says his "heart is at Tottenham" despite having started his football career at bitter north London rivals Arsenal.

The £15m signing from Blackburn is the latest addition to Juande Ramos' squad following the arrivals of Luka Modric, Giovani Dos Santos and Heurelho Gomes.

"It means the world to join Tottenham," said the 23-year-old midfielder.

"I grew up through the Arsenal youth team but it's not a problem for me, all my heart is at Tottenham."

Meanwhile, the England international believes Ramos' new-look squad can break into the Premier League's top four next season.

He added: "We can do anything we want, anything we put our minds to. You've seen what Ramos did last year; the fitness and level of play has risen and I want to be part of that, hopefully we'll keep progressing and doing well.

"I'm sure he will bring the best ability to our team "
Spurs boss Juande Ramos

"It's all there for us - if we're all up for it it's quite possible."

Bentley also said he was looking forward to featuring in a very different looking Tottenham side this season following the new signings and the departures of first-team players Robbie Keane, Paul Robinson, Steed Malbranque, Pascal Chimbonda and Teemu Tainio.

"I'm excited by it. There are a lot of good players here, you look at Modric, Giovani and I'm looking forward to fitting in the side somewhere," he said.

606: DEBATE
"Bentley is going to be a class player. If you've ever heard him speak, he's a very driven individual"
Tottering Hotspur

"Making the move here was an easy decision to make to be honest. I've been trying my hardest to come here and be part of this. All my friends are season ticket holders. All I want to do is just get out there."

Manager Ramos, who is believed to have spent over £40m on transfer fees this summer, said he wanted to get the midfielder involved in first-team action as soon as possible.

"I'm sure he will bring the best ability to our team and we can help him maximise his potential," said the Spaniard.

"We are in a state of preparation now, it's pre-season, we are trying to share out the players on the field. We'll assess him fitness-wise and try and get him into the team as soon as possible."



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Related to this story:

Tottenham complete Bentley switch (30 Jul 08 |  Tottenham )
Rovers reject Spurs' Bentley bid (18 Jul 08 |  Blackburn )
Bentley eager to leave Blackburn (15 Jun 08 |  Blackburn )
Bentley hints at Blackburn exit (01 Apr 08 |  Blackburn )
Spurs agree deal for keeper Gomes (26 Jun 08 |  Tottenham )
Tottenham complete Giovani deal (10 Jun 08 |  Tottenham )

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