Pascal Chimbonda has revealed that he watches Mike Tyson videos to gain inspiration.

He said: “I love boxing.

“My favourite era was when Mike Tyson was in his prime.

“When I was growinga up in Guadeloupe, I used to get up at 4am to watch him on TV, and his bouts only lasted a minute.

“Present-day fighters are not such a pleasure to watch. But I’d love to meet guys like Tyson and Muhammad Ali.

“I’m a big fan of basketball’s Michael Jordan and Allen Iverson as well.

“Playing in England is ideal for me, with the fighting spirit in the game.

“I have been left out of the France team recently, in favour of Lyon defender Francois Clerc, and that is disappointing.

“But I am playing European football as well as him, with Spurs in the UEFA Cup.

“And the Premiership is of a higher standard.

“I am so eager to do well, I finish some matches burnt out.”