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The fan favourite Brazilian shot stopper looks back at a dramatic transfer deadline day dash and a miraculous Bundesliga survival mission. Finding regular minutes remains absolutely crucial for goalkeepers at Hotspur Way. The N17 faithful remember when beloved Brazilian shot stopper Heurelho Gomes found himself stuck on the bench in early 2013. The veteran desperately needed a fast exit route to kickstart his stalling career. An unexpected opportunity in Germany provided the perfect escape plan. Hoffenheim were trapped deep inside the Bundesliga relegation zone. They wanted someone with authority between the sticks to inject vital belief into a fragile squad. The former goalkeeper instantly saw a brilliant chance to rescue his form. The proposed switch suddenly turned into pure chaos on transfer deadline day. Severe flight delays nearly ruined the entire medical process.“So, I was asked to sign the contract before my medical and then the league had to approve it,” Gomes recalled. He officially moved on January 31 and remarkably made his debut against Freiburg just two days later. The North Londoners watched him excel abroad. The Lilywhites watched their experienced Brazilian goalkeeper secure a miraculous Bundesliga escape Getting regular action helped improve his chances of regaining a starting spot back in the English capital. Settling into life in Heidelberg gave him wonderful memories. His primary mission involved keeping the struggling club in the top flight. A cruel broken hand unfortunately brought an abrupt end to his campaign. Forced to miss the final fixtures, the injured stopper travelled back to London. He watched his former teammates produce absolute miracles. They pulled off a massive away victory at Borussia Dortmund. “I think they needed at least a point, maybe even a win, that day to remain in the Bundesliga, so that result was huge,” Gomes admitted. The German side then secured safety by winning their crucial playoff tie. “I remember watching the two legs of that play off when I was back in London and I was so delighted that Hoffenheim won,” he stated. That short spell abroad showed how taking a brave gamble can rebuild personal confidence.