Japhet Tanganga believed that this summer was the perfect time to part ways with Tottenham Hotspur, but he has his sights set on making a comeback to the Premier League with Millwall. Despite receiving offers from top-flight clubs, the centre-back decided to make a permanent move to the Championship side after a successful loan spell.
During his time at Millwall last season, Tanganga made a strong impression on the fans by playing 18 matches and helping the team secure safety, finishing in 13th place. Looking ahead to the upcoming campaign, Tanganga expressed his desire to focus on performing well in the Championship while keeping the Premier League in mind for the future.
The defender emphasized the need to concentrate on the present and strive to play at a high level in the Championship. He acknowledged the importance of building on the team’s positive finish last season, maintaining defensive solidity, and following the manager’s instructions to aim for an even better outcome this time around.
Tanganga also reflected on his time at Tottenham, recognizing that it was the right moment to move on after facing challenges and limited playing opportunities. Despite feeling sentimental about leaving the club where he had grown up and progressed through the ranks, Tanganga expressed no regrets about his decision and looked forward to the next chapter in his career.
One of the key factors that influenced Tanganga’s return to Millwall was the overwhelming support he received from the fans and the club. The appreciation from the supporters was evident during an awards night when they created a unique chant using his name, showing their affection for the player.
However, Tanganga will miss the start of the season due to a three-match suspension, including the opening game against Watford, where a tribute will be paid to goalkeeper Matija Sarkic, who tragically passed away in June. Despite the emotional nature of the occasion, Tanganga believes that it will serve as motivation for the team to perform well and honor their late teammate.
As Millwall prepares to kick off the new season, Tanganga expressed his excitement about playing at the Den, where the team had a strong home record under the guidance of the manager. He highlighted the incredible support from the fans and the special atmosphere at the stadium, indicating that the players are eager and prepared to begin the campaign on a positive note.