The Ivory Coast international "was regarded by a lot of people as one of the best midfield players going into the World Cup and he proved that in the group stage. A lot of clubs were after him, we had to compete for his services and he's a very good signing," Spurs boss Martin Jol told the club's official website.
Sporting Director Damien Comolli added: "He is a player I knew well (the Frenchman signed Zokora for St Etienne after the player had spent four years playing in the Belgian league). Didier has had two good years in France and an impressive World Cup."
"Martin was well aware of him also. Didier was one of the first players he talked to me about when I arrived."
Zakora said: "I have seen a few matches already and the commitment in the style of play in the English game attracted me."
Last week he told the News of the World: "I learnt about Tottenham's interest a few months ago. Talks started as the World Cup got underway and, fortunately, went very well."
"I wanted to join a Premiership club and Tottenham were the ones who made it concrete. Tottenham proved to me that they are improving as a team and have the ambition to go much higher and I was assured I would get plenty of chance to show what I can do. From the moment I knew I would be a first-team regular, I didn't think twice."
"The food poisoning problems (on the final day of the season) were a great shame but I already had a clear idea I would probably be joining them. But the fact remains that Tottenham were in contention for a Champions League spot until the last day of the season and that proved they can challenge in the Premiership."
"The World Cup was a fantastic experience, even if we went out at the group stage. We had the most difficult group with Argentina and Holland but still played well and were a bit unlucky. It made me realise the gap between the smaller soccer nations and the top ones."
Described by Richard Bright in The Daily Telegraph today as ‘a deal that could pave the way for Michael Carrick to leave White Hart Lane. Zokora's arrival will put the spotlight back on the England midfielder's future.'
Carrick is yet to sign an improved contract with Spurs after spending the best part of two seasons working under Jol who gave him the opportunity to play regularly in the first team. Manchester United are understood to be ready to offer £14.2m after an initial £10m bid, slightly more than the fee paid for Zokora, was rejected on the eve of the World Cup Finals.
Jol confirmed: "United put a bid in, we turned it down and that's it. Michael was probably our best midfielder last season. I told the chairman I want to keep him. I gave him the chance ahead of Pedro Mendes (sold to Portsmouth at the start of the year), another terrific player." (The Sun)
Meanwhile, Real Madrid presidential candidate Lorenzo Sanz has named Carrick as one of five players he expects to sign if he wins the club elections tomorrow.
According to Sanz his running team have struck a provisional deal with Carrick, as well as Holland centre-half Khalid Boulahrouz, Italy full-back Gianluca Zambrotta, Argentinian Fernando Gago and Brazilian Emerson.
Spurs also clinched a new three year deal for defender Anthony Gardner yesterday. He signed for the club in January 2000.