Jan Vertonghen chose to join Tottenham over Arsenal after Arsene Wenger wanted to play him in midfield, according to ESPN FC.
The football site claim the Belgium international, 30, had the choice of the north London rivals in 2012 as he looked to end his lengthy association with Ajax and move to the Premier League.
ESPN FC report that Wenger felt Vertonghen was better suited to a more advanced role in midfield, which prompted the then 25-year-old to head to Spurs.
It is a move that has worked out well for player and club, as Vertonghen has been a mainstay of a young and vibrant side that has been transformed by Mauricio Pochettino.
The centre-back, who can also fill in at left-back, has made 213 appearances for the north Londoners and has formed an outstanding partnership with fellow Belgian Toby Alderweireld.
The duo have linked up impressively with summer signing Davinson Sanchez in a three-man defence this season.
Vertonghen became his country’s record appearance holder on Tuesday night after winning a 97th cap in the 4-0 win over Cyprus in Brussels.
The Tottenham centre-half surpassed Jan Ceulemans, a legend in Belgium who helped them to the final of Euro 1980 and the semifinals of the 1986 World Cup.
OPINION
In Wenger’s defence, it is easy to see why he regarded the versatile Vertonghen as better equipped for a midfield anchorman role. His ability to stride forward with the ball and launch attacks is rare for a centre-back, and it has helped make him an integral member of Spurs’ inventive and quick-passing side. But Vertonghen has showed that he is far more effective in central defence than at left-back, where his large frame makes it difficult against speedy and slight wide men. If anything, he is best suited to the three-man defence that Pochettino has used regularly this season. The Belgian is confident on the ball and the presence of Sanchez in the middle allows Vertonghen and Alderweireld to push forward and lay the foundations for attack.