Dimitar Berbatov is now able to look back at his Tottenham career with fondness despite leaving the club for Manchester United after just two years.

The Bulgarian briefly became a hate figure among Spurs fans when he quit White Hart Lane in 2008, not least because of the way he went about sealing his departure.

When Daniel Levy sent him to Manchester airport thinking he was going to sign for City, the striker was picked up by none other than Sir Alex Ferguson, who quietly sneaked him away and signed him the same day.

Understandably, that created a significant amount of bad blood between the two parties. In fact, rumour has it that Levy is still so angry about it that he still refuses to trade with the Red Devils nine years on.

The 36-year-old, on the other hand, who now plays for Indian side Kerala Blasters, has positive memories of his time with the Lilywhites.

Ahead of the north London derby, he's been recalling some of his favourite games against Arsenal.

While he didn't get on the scoresheet himself, leaving it to Jermaine Jenas, Robbie Keane, Aaron Lennon, Steed Malbranque and a Nicklas Bendnter own goal, the 5-1 Carling Cup semi-final win obviously stands out.

“I remember beating them 5-1 in the semi-final," he told the Sun.

"I was so sad after the game that I didn’t score. But I remember scoring against Arsenal a couple of times. It was a good feeling.

“I loved scoring against them. I loved bullying that defence. When I eat red sauce it reminds me of Arsenal because they are red and I used to eat them!”

All these years on, it's Harry Kane's turn to bully Arsenal, as he has been doing with six goals in his last five derbies against the Gunners.

Yet, whereas Berbatov felt the need to leave the club to go onto bigger and better things, he has no such fears that the 24-year-old will do the same.

“I’m sure in a couple of years Spurs will be the team you want to go to and stay, not want to leave for a better place," he added.

“Kane is the captain, he is Mr Spurs there. I’m sure if he sees that Spurs are growing, winning and are the team most players want to go to, he is going to stay."