Toby Alderweireld sends message to Tottenham fans about his future
Toby Alderweireld says he expects to remain a Tottenham Hotspur player this summer
Toby Alderweireld says that he expects to remain a Tottenham Hotspur player this summer as the speculation about his future continues.
The Belgian defender has a £25m release clause in his contract with Spurs – but that expires on Thursday and according to Sky Sports, he has been of interest to Italian side AS Roma this summer.
However, the 30-year-old defender now seems set to stay at White Hart Lane for the immediate future, if his latest comments on the situation are to be taken seriously.
After being made captain for Spurs’ 3-2 friendly win over Juventus, Alderweireld said: “Yes (I expect to still be a Tottenham player at the start of the season).
“That’s my focus in football. Everything can go quick but all I’m doing is focusing on Spurs and being fit for the start of the season.
“I think the manager knows I am committed to the club and the team, but you never know in football. Against Juventus I was captain – so that shows the manager has trust in me and I’m showing the right attitude.
“Again, it (a club triggering the clause) can happen but my focus is on Spurs and in my head I will be playing for Spurs.
“I try to deliver the job I need to do – I’m happy and that’s it. I try to come back fit. Of course, everyone has had a good holiday but like [against Juventus] we showed, we are where we want to be at the moment.”
The defender played an important role in Spurs’ season last term as they reached the Champions League final and finished in fourth place in the Premier League table.
Alderweireld made a total of 34 appearances in the Premier League for Mauricio Pochettino’s men last term.
If he does indeed end up staying at White Hart Lane, then Alderweireld will be focused on helping Spurs to win their first major trophy under Pochettino next season.
Spurs came close last season but ended up losing 2-0 to Liverpool FC in the Champions League final at the start of June.
