Victoria Pelova has opened up about her significant summer move from Arsenal to Tottenham Hotspur. The 27-year-old Netherlands midfielder made the switch in June 2024, seeking a fresh start after a challenging period that included a serious knee injury and personal loss.
Pelova admitted initial apprehension about informing her former teammates. "I was really scared to tell my old teammates that I was going here," says Pelova. "My close friends knew about it, obviously, but everyone responded so well. Everyone tells me that it reflects on the person I am." Her decision was solidified after extensive conversations with her mother, who passed away at the start of June.
Pelova describes the transfer as straightforward. She felt a need for change after three years at Arsenal where, despite being a fan favourite, her playing minutes were limited. The midfielder believed she would be happiest, and therefore at her best, when featuring regularly. "It sounds like I have not been happy, but I have been happy in the last year and in being with my friends," she explained. "But when you’re not playing as regularly as you want to it’s inevitable that you’re not going to be totally happy, and when I’m the happiest person, I will be the best footballer I can be."
A key factor was manager Martin Ho's detailed vision for her role. She appreciated his clear communication and the confidence he placed in her, which made her feel free on the pitch. Also, the prospect of joining a team where she was largely unknown presented a beneficial clean slate. She had previously found defending against Tottenham difficult, an experience that positively influenced her decision to join them.
The fresh start at Spurs has been rejuvenating for Pelova. She is naturally social and is making an effort to connect with everyone at the club, including the younger players. Familiar faces have helped the transition; she has known teammate Caitlin Dijkstra for eight years and they once lived together in Amsterdam. Another close friend, Lize Kop, is also at the club.
Pelova is currently working her way back to full fitness after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury on international duty in June 2024. She maintains strong belief in her body and is confident the team will show clear progression in the coming weeks. She is ready for the intensity of pre-season to conclude and for competitive matches to begin.
The team's early-season form presents a challenge, sitting 20th in the Premier League with 0 points from two games. They have a goal difference of -5, having conceded five times without scoring, and are six points behind leaders Manchester City. The squad is also dealing with several absences, with Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert, Xavi Simons, and James Maddison currently sidelined.
Pelova is eager to contribute and can't wait to face all opponents, including her former club Arsenal. Her immediate focus is on the next fixture, an away match against Nottingham Forest on September 5th. Forest are currently 15th in the table, and the game is a key opportunity for Spurs to get their season moving. Fans can track the team's schedule on our fixtures page. Pelova is specifically ready for the scheduled home game against West Ham United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 25th.
