I would like if he stays with us, I think he’s a potential top, top, top player; [but] I don’t want to convince anyone to stay. I think Tottenham is a really, without me, a top club, and we have not convinced anyone to stay.
I think he can find a space if he stays with us; the competition between the players is strong because we are Tottenham and we have to build a strong squad, not just eleven players, especially considering the injuries we suffered in the last 2-3 seasons.
The football is going in a clear direction, to compete for a high place on the table you have to manage 22, 23, 24 players; I don’t want 24, but 22, 21 at the highest level for sure.
I’m speaking with him before the end of last season, during the World Cup two times… his position is very clear for me now… it’s hard to find a young player of that level.
…He wants play in a double pivot but I cannot give a guarantee to any player that he can play. He was right that he wants to play as a central midfielder.
I would like if he stays, but if he doesn’t want to I can do nothing. He will then have to speak to Vinai or Johan. He has to have the right spirit to stay.