Ben Davies expresses gratitude following Swansea City exit

Ben Davies has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to everyone at Swansea City after completing his move to Tottenham Hotspur.
The Neath-born product ended a 13-year association with the Swans following his switch to the London club today.
The Welsh international, who had been with the Swans since the age of eight, was keen to issue his thanks to the club.



"I had never thought or wanted to leave Swansea, but an opportunity like this doesn't come up often in your career," said Davies, who was part of the club's recent tour in America.
"I will always be grateful for what Swansea City has done for me and it will always be the club in my heart.
"Having been at the club since the age of eight, I had to think long and hard about leaving because I owe everything to the staff and the club in general.
"The fans have been brilliant with me. It's quite ironic really that it was on our last American tour two years ago that I was first introduced into the first team. Then, when Neil Taylor had his bad injury soon after, I found myself a regular in the team.
"It was a massive step for me and it wasn't easy. But the supporters were right behind me from the very start. They believed in me and gave me the backing I probably needed as a young player at the time.
"I'd like to thank them all personally, but obviously that's not possible. Like I said, I'll always be grateful, but I also hope they feel I have given something back to them over the last two years.
"I'll be back to watch the boys when I can from the stand. It was sad saying my goodbyes because they've been great with me from the first day I joined the squad. But in the end it was an opportunity I couldn't turn down."



Davies product signed a professional contract in 2011 after impressing in the youth ranks.
Then, after impressing during the club's pre-season tour of America in 2012, he made his senior debut off the bench in the Premier League win over West Ham before earning his first start in the Capital One Cup victory over Barnsley.
A serious injury to Neil Taylor handed Davies an opportunity of regular first-team football, and it was one which he impressed immensely.
His first season in professional football ended with 44 appearances, being named Young Player of the Year and helping the Swans lift the Capital One Cup.
He earned recognition on the international stage too, making his debut in a World Cup qualifier against Scotland, before becoming a regular in Chris Coleman's starting XI.
His consistent displays again saw him named Young Player of the Year at the Swans last season as they finished 12th in the Barclays Premier League.
And Davies predicts a bright future for the Swans as he begins a new challenge at White Hart Lane.
He added: "I'm a local lad that has come through the ranks, which is what the Academy system is all about.
"Now I'm sure the chairman and manager will use the funds to strengthen the squad and I know they'll make the right decisions in the interests of the team, club and fans.
"Moving to Spurs is a massive footballing challenge for me again, but I'm looking forward to it.
"They were the ones chasing me from the beginning and I want to repay the faith they have shown in me by doing well for them and continuing to improve as a player.''