The departure of Carlos Vicente to Birmingham City was one of the most surprising moves of the winter transfer window.

The former Alaves player is swapping LaLiga for the 13th-placed team in the English second division."It's hard to take in. Everything new is a bit scary, but you have to go forward and not hesitate,"said Carlos Vicente in an interview with 'Kiroleros'.

Birmingham City's interest was long-standing: "There was interest in the summer, at the end of the market, but there was no possibility of leaving because Alaves would have been left with a hole," he said.

There was interest in the summer, at the end of the market, but there was no possibility of leaving because Alaves would have been left without a replacement

Carlos Vicente

"They have shown me in many ways how much they loved me and that has helped me to take the step," insists Carlos Vicente. "What everyone may be thinking [economic factor] of course influences, I'm not going to lie to anyone, but many more things come into play when making a decision like that".

"Tom Brady called me and I was paralysed"

There was one detail, however, that made the difference: "I had a video call with Tom Brady and I was paralyzed. For me he is the closest thing to God"."Not God, but almost. I'm an NFL geek and it's always nice that he gets so involved. I've been very surprised in that regard," he said with a laugh.