Football London

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United will duel it out at the Estadio de San Mames in Bilbao, Spain, this evening in a high stakes game that will have an impact on the coming seasons for both clubs.

Ange Postecoglou’s side have, like their opponents tonight, endured a thoroughly miserable domestic campaign, with both still potentially finishing the season one spot above the relegation zone in the Premier League. For two clubs that form part of the so-called ‘big six’ that is a woeful underachievement.

There have been arguments made in recent weeks, including from former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, that the winner of the Europa League should not be afforded qualification into the league phase of next season’s Champions League. But the rules are the rules and tonight’s Europa League final offers both clubs the opportunity to qualify for European football’s elite club knockout competition despite faltering badly domestically.

Both clubs need the financial hit that Champions League qualification brings, too. For Spurs, who don’t have issues around profit and sustainability rules (PSR), it is around improving the balance sheet and providing funds to improve cash flow ahead of a summer that could see them have to sell to buy due to the heavy transfer debt and limited receivables that are due to arrive.

Much of Spurs’ transfer debt has been on credit in recent years, and as of the 2023/24 accounts, published last month, the transfer payables, which is the money the club owes to other clubs still for transfer fees, stood at £337m, an increase of around £250m from the £88m it stood at back in 2019, the year they moved into their new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium home. Sitting behind only Chelsea’s £479m, Spurs’ transfer debt is the second largest in the Premier League.

In terms of what is coming the other way, Spurs are owed £58m in transfer receivables from clubs, meaning that there is a £279m difference between the two, and that is not insignificant.

Given the way that PSR looks at allowable losses of £105m with permitted deductions for investment into infrastructure, the women’s team, the academy and community initiatives, Spurs’ heavy debt, much of it attributable to the new stadium, means that they are still in a good PSR spot, especially given their significant commercial and matchday revenue, and the low wages to revenue ratio that they have.

But cash in the bank as of March 31, 2024, stood at £79m, down from £198m the previous financial year. Spurs have been eating into the cash reserve in the past 18 months, and with the potential of another lean year if they miss out on the Champions League through failure to win the Europa League, that could have to continue.

For Manchester United, they are close to the PSR threshold and missing out on the Champions League this summer would also see them have to suffer some pull back from commercial partners in terms of what deals are worth, with the likes of kit supplier Adidas having a clause in their deal with the club that sees the annual sum due fall by £10m for failure to qualify for the Champions League. With United needing a rebuild, a significant one at that, having additional funds would accelerate that process.

For Spurs, winning the Europa League final this evening would be worth £125m more than what it would be worth for Manchester United.

Europa League success, through participation fees, prize money and the value pillar that dishes out funds based on league market size and coefficients, is worth £35.4m to Spurs and £35.6m to Manchester United. Taking into account matchday revenue for the home games played in the competition, average ticket income per home game of £4.3m for Manchester United and £4.9m for Spurs, as per City AM, provides additional revenue of £30.1m and £34.3m respectively.

That brings the total prize pot for Europa League success to £69.7m for Spurs and £65.7m for Manchester United. Another benefit of Spurs’ move to a new stadium back in 2019.

Qualification for the Champions League yields enormous success. With participation alone worth £15.6m and every victory and draw in the revamped competition’s league phase delivering an additional £1.7m and £580,000, just making it to the league phase can bring in, conservatively, around £20m, and that is before factoring in any progression to the knockout stages, where the money continues on a steep incline. The Champions League value pillar is more lucrative than that of the Europa League and is worth another £20m to clubs.

Matchday revenue then plays another significant role. Playing in the league phase guarantees four home games for each team, adding an extra £17.2m and £19.6m, respectively, to Manchester United’s and Spurs’ finances, bringing the total for both Europa League success and a conservative estimate at performance in next season’s Champions League to £124.9m for Spurs and £118.5m for Manchester United.

The additional funds for Champions League qualification could reach higher figures, as much as £120m, for a deep run in the competition. But whoever triumphs this evening will receive money that will be transformational and allow for a rebuilding process to accelerate and be delivered ahead of time, with both clubs in need of making significant changes to improve on what has been a disastrous domestic campaign that has been saved by a run in European football’s second tier knockout club competition.

There was a clear difference between Tottenham Hotspur off the pitch in Bilbao and when they stepped on to it.

When Spurs arrived at the beautiful San Mames Stadium, Son Heung-min and Pedro Porro were immediately swept into its big press conference room, filled with media from across not only the continent but the world. For Son with his experience, this was just another day of answering questions about trying to win his first trophy after 10 years at Tottenham and what the future holds beyond the current end of his contract in 2026.

For Porro, the amiable Spaniard back in his homeland, he decided to shelve his rapidly improving and impressive English skills in order to speak in his native tongue. Perhaps it was a touch of nerves on such a big stage - he did need one question repeated to him because he was so entranced by Son's initial answer - but it was also likely a worry about anything being misconstrued if he attempted to respond in his more constricted English.

There was no such constriction for Ange Postecoglou. The Tottenham boss treated his press conference within the Spanish stadium as he would a normal weekly one, mostly because they were similar questions to those he's asked each week at Hotspur Way about his future and the fitness of Lucas Bergvall or Son Heung-min.

The emotion of the occasion did show in a couple of moments. The first was in responding to a question from one reporter whose article that day had suggested this one game and the gravity of it after such a disastrous Premier League campaign had left Postecoglou 'teetering between hero and clown'.

It was that last word that had upset Postecoglou and he was clearly waiting to see if the journalist asked him anything at the press conference. It came and it was whether the Australian was conscious of the infamy vs legendary status on the table if he won or lost the final?

"That depends on your outlook, but I’ll tell you one thing: irrespective of what happens tomorrow, I’m not a clown and I never will be, mate," he said. "I’m really disappointed that you would use such terminology about a person who for 26 years without any favours from anyone has worked his way to a position where he’s leading out a club in a European major competition [final]. For you to suggest that somehow us not being successful means that I’m a clown, not really sure how to answer that question."

There was genuine emotion in Postecoglou's voice and to be called, potentially, a clown on the eve of becoming the first Australian and Greek to manage a team in a European final was too much.

'Hero or failure' is clunky and not as catchy but would have been more apt as Postecoglou himself has admitted his disappointment at failing to unify the north London club as he hoped he would.

It was a shame that the press conference ahead of a European final ended up being defined by one moment, ensuring that the word 'clown' was then used in headlines across the media with some articles even mocking up Postecoglou in face paint as a clown.

While the 59-year-old's disappointment with the term was understandable, bringing it up in the biggest press conference of the season on the grandest stage only had a snowball effect that detracted from whatever other messages he was looking to get out there.

In keeping with the emotion, the Spurs head coach also had a little catch in his voice when he later spoke about his pride in being the first Greek, as well as Australian, to manage in a final and mentioned his late father Jim on the eve of such a big occasion.

Postecoglou also spoke well about his future and made it clear that he certainly has no intention of walking away from this job and into the sunset, even if Tottenham win in Bilbao.

"No, because I don’t think my job is done here. I really feel like we are building something and what a trophy does is hopefully accelerate that," he said. "I still think there is work to be done. It is quite obvious with the challenges we’ve had this year, which I think are well chronicled but there is some reasoning in the context of that, but also there has been some growth and I would like to see it through.

"Whether that happens or not is not that important right now, but I don’t think, far from it, that this job is finished. I certainly feel there is some growth there that we can take this club to where it needs to be."

That will be decided in the coming days but one thing is clear and that's that this group of Tottenham players are still playing for Postecoglou and he has their full attention.

He and his coaches led them in a final training session on the grass at the San Mames Stadium, mostly going through patterns of play - Richarlison looking especially sharp with his finishing into all the corners - and when that was done Postecoglou called the group together just outside one of the penalty areas.

Postecoglou spoke passionately for a couple of minutes, gesturing with his hands and whatever he was saying had every member of the squad and his coaching staff entranced, Son with his arm around Richarlison, Romero's with his around Bissouma. Nobody looked away, not even for a moment and when the head coach stopped, they all applauded. He clearly said the right words and the Australian's speech on Wednesday night will need to be even better.

It looked to be that at some point during the speech or after it, Postecoglou had told the players to go out and enjoy the rest of their session - just have a bit of fun on the grass. That was quite a clever move to demystify the turf and the stage ahead of what would take place there the next day.

The players certainly took him up on the suggestion. Cristian Romero appears to have struck up a bromance with Yves Bissouma and during Postecoglou's speech, the Argentine could be seen massaging the Mali international's neck with one of his hands. After the speech was done so the duo had a bit of a wrestle, pushing each other during a game of keepy uppys, which had Postecoglou laughing and pointing at them. They weren't the only ones having a wrestle for Djed Spence and Richarlison grappled and Wilson Odobert sent Pape Matar Sarr to the ground.

Mathys Tel embarked on a pitch long sprint with the ball at his feet before firing the ball into the net at the empty end of the stadium and then dived full length, face first and Jurgen Klinsmann-style across the grass to celebrate the goal against no one to nobody in particular.

It was a really relaxed way to spend their time in the big stadium and it would have removed some of the nerves before such a season-defining game.

There were also those who could not take part. Lucas Bergvall watched a portion of the session from the side-line, sat sadly on a ball while juggling another one in his hands. He was seated between the standing Spurs' chief football officer Scott Munn and technical director Johan Lange until James Maddison came over and chatted with the teenager.

Postecoglou spoke to all four men at various points, giving Maddison a hug and patting him on the chest while Bergvall was signing things for some fans. The Australian will know how disappointed all the injured players currently are and it was a nice touch that all of them have been brought to Bilbao to be part of something they helped get Spurs to.

One injured player has returned to the fold at just the right time though and that is Dane Scarlett, who was taking a full part in training after his groin surgery. It would be a wonderful narrative if the Tottenham academy product, who scored against Elfsborg, were to return in time to come on late in the final and have a crucial part to play.

Elsewhere on the sidelines, Son and Ben Davies were clearly delighted to be reunited with former Tottenham striker Fernando Llorente, who was part of the club's run to the 2019 Champions League final. They hugged and chatted for a while in the early evening sun.

When most of the others had gone inside, Porro, Romero and Rodrigo Bentancur stayed out for a long time doing keepy uppys with Kevin Danso joining them for a while before clearly letting the side down with one poor touch and being shoved affectionately away and down the tunnel by Romero.

In another part of the pitch was one other Spurs player. Yves Bissouma was sat on a ball getting what looked like a pep talk from coach Mile Jedinak - one midfielder to another. Bissouma is going to be key to this match against United. If the 28-year-old plays well then likely so will Tottenham.

The approaches of Spurs and United have been very different before this final. Postecoglou rested most of his players ahead of the game and the club flew out on Monday to start their preparations.

In contrast, Ruben Amorim used many of his starting players in the defeat at Chelsea and they trained in Manchester on Tuesday morning before flying to Bilbao later that day. They of course have experience of playing in this stadium from the semi-finals.

This Europa League final is going to bring a clash of two clubs struggling in the league but with different mindsets for the big stage. For United, this is just another final. For Tottenham it's an opportunity to change the narrative.

For Postecoglou, Son and the Spurs players it's a chance to silence the jibes and the doubts and end that long wait to parade a trophy around N17. It's time to step up and make history.

Manchester United are set for a kit switch-up ahead of their crucial Europa League final against Spurs in Bilbao come Wednesday evening.

It's a significant fixture for both Ruben Amorim and Ange Postecoglou, providing them with an opportunity to clinch silverware after tough seasons, not to mention securing a coveted Champions League spot for next season. Preparations are underway as both teams have already touched down in Spain for the much-anticipated match.

However, there will be a twist for United fans as their team will sport a different look at San Mames stadium. Official reports confirm that Amorim's squad will don black shorts instead of their regular white, complementing their iconic red jerseys and black stockings.

This change stems from Tottenham's long-standing European tradition. Dating back to 1961, Tottenham began wearing all-white kits in continental games under the influence of then-manager Bill Nicholson.

With Tottenham assigned as the 'home' side for this encounter, they earn preference in the kit department. The historic roots of Spurs' pristine all-white strip trace back to attempts by Nicholson to improve the visual acuity for his players during night matches where lighting was inadequate, reports the Mirror.

The tradition famously started during an away confrontation against Polish team Gornik, as recalled by ex-Tottenham star Cliff Jones: "We just turned up in the dressing room for the game and there was the all-white kit," he recounted. "No-one said anything; nothing was said to us. We just focused on the game coming up."

Ricky George, recalling his days as a young apprentice, shared: "The all-white kit was for visibility. It was Bill Nick's way of looking for those marginal gains. Those nights at White Hart Lane, under the lights, were just very special.

"We loved playing in all-white," added Jones. "I honestly cannot say for certain it made any difference in making us see each other better under the floodlights, but we did love playing in it. European nights we felt fresher, the air was different."

The upcoming Europa League final isn't the first instance where Manchester United have deviated from their standard kit this season. They sported black shorts during their away draw with Real Sociedad back in March—a match that finished 1-1 with goals courtesy of Joshua Zirkzee and Mikel Oyarzabal.

For the return fixture at Old Trafford, they reverted to their classic white shorts—a decision that perhaps paid off as United clinched a 4-1 victory, with Bruno Fernandes netting a brilliant hat-trick. Irrespective of their attire, United are eager to triumph in the final and guarantee their spot in next season's Champions League.

Tottenham and Manchester United will lock horns in the Europa League final tonight with both clubs' seasons on the line and a Champions League spot at stake.

The two sides have endured torrid seasons across this Premier League campaign. With one game remaining in the season, Spurs sit 17th, one spot above the relegation zone, while United are only marginally better placed in 16th. However, despite their league performances, they both find themselves on the verge of silverware - and a place in next season's Champions League.

"That opportunity is to provide something special for the football club - and for the supporters - and for everyone who has worked so hard," Spurs' manager Ange Postecoglou said before the European final. "Not just this year, but for the 15, 16 years, however long it has been without a trophy and the 41 years without a European trophy."

Both managers' futures have been questioned following their poor league returns. Ruben Amorim looks to be in a safer position than his Spurs counterpart, but the Portuguese knows how important this trophy could be.

He said: "A new future for me I think is not the case, but is going to help us to finish the season. People will look at our team in a different way because winning a European title is really important."

With the final now just hours away, football.london have taken a look at everything you need to know and how you can follow all the action;

What time does Tottenham vs Man Utd kick-off?

Tottenham will play United in the Europa League final at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao tonight with the game kicking off at 8pm.

If the two teams are tied at the end of 90 minutes, the match will continue into extra-time, with the possibility of penalties if both sides still can't find a winning goal.

How to watch Tottenham vs Man Utd on TV for free?

Supporters will be happy to know that the Europa League final will be available to watch for free. The match will be shown on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate and discovery+.

To watch the game for free, viewers will need to register an account with discovery+. No subscription is required. Once you have signed up, you will have access to all three European finals at no cost.

Any viewer who watches discovery+ through Amazon Prime Video will, also, be able to watch the Europa League final on the Prime Video app.

How else can I follow Tottenham vs Man Utd?

The Europa League final will be broadcast on radia via talkSPORT and BBC Radio 5 Live.

Tottenham Hotspur are just one victory away from European silverware and a place in next season's Champions League. They take on Manchester United in the Europa League final on Wednesday night.

The game is taking place in Bilbao, Spain, with kick-off coming at 8pm. Both squads have made the journey.

Spurs and United find themselves in a similar situation, having endured poor domestic seasons. Tottenham sit in 17th place in the Premier League standings, while United are just a place and a point above in 16th.

In the build-up to the final, both sides suffered defeats on Friday night. Spurs fell to a 2-0 loss against Aston Villa, while United lost 1-0 away against Chelsea on the same evening.

Concentration will, though, have been on tonight's game. After travelling to Spain, Spurs' boss Ange Postecoglou has given the latest on his squad.

There was one surprise inclusion in the travelling squad with injured James Maddison making the journey over with his teammates, but the midfielder isn't expected to be available for the game. It has also been confirmed that Lucas Bergvall has not recovered in time from an ankle injury.

Delivering the latest news, Postecoglou said: "Team news is pretty much the same, Lucas is not available, so we're pretty much the same as we were last week."

There was also some concern over the availability of midfielder Pape Matar Sarr. He was substituted in their match against Aston Villa with a back problem, but Postecoglou has confirmed that he is 'fine' ahead of the final.

Following the latest update, football.london takes a look at Tottenham's squad available for the final;

Goalkeepers: Guglielmo Vicario, Brandon Austin, Alfie Whiteman.

Defenders: Kevin Danso, Destiny Udogie, Cristian Romero, Pedro Porro, Djed Spence, Micky van de Ven, Ben Davies.

Midfielders: Yves Bissouma, Archie Gray, Pape Matar Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur, Mikey Moore.

Forwards: Son Heung-min, Richarlison, Mathys Tel, Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson, Wilson Odobert.

Ange Postecoglou must name a Tottenham team without any creative central midfielders as they take on Manchester United in the Europa League final on Wednesday night.

The two sides have had torrid times in the Premier League this season but one can redeem that all if they triumph in Bilbao to land the European trophy and gain qualification to next season's Champions League. Postecoglou's side have won three times against United during this campaign, home and away in the league and in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

However, this time Spurs will have to do it without their creative midfielders with James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Lucas Bergvall all unable to take part in the final in Spain.

That could force Postecoglou into a formation switch if he does not want to go for a more industrious midfield trio of Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr, who is available for selection after his back issue in the second half at Aston Villa on Sunday.

The alternative is a 4-4-2 that can also become a 4-2-3-1 with either Dominic Solanke playing behind Richarlison up front or skipper Son Heung-min playing off of Solanke with Richarlison or Mathys Tel on the left. Postecoglou did appear to be taking a look at the 4-4-2 albeit with different players on Sunday.

The rest of the team mostly picks itself from the players that Postecoglou was looking to protect by leaving them out of the starting line-up at Villa Park.

Here's the Tottenham starting XI that we reckon Postecoglou could select to face Ruben Amorim's side in Bilbao.

(4-4-2/4-2-3-1): Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Johnson, Bentancur, Bissouma, Son; Solanke, Richarlison.

The big day has arrived - it's UEFA Europa League final day.

Tottenham have been gearing up for this day for the last two weeks, having beaten Bodo/Glimt in the semi-final. You could argue Spurs have been gearing up for this day for the last 17 years - the last time the Lilywhites lifted a trophy.

San Mames in Bilbao is the venue as Spurs take on Manchester United with not only a trophy up for grabs but a place in next season's Champions League to boot.

United were given something of a boost on Tuesday when Joshua Zirkzee, Diogo Dalot and Leny Yoro were all spotted in training for the match. There had been doubts over all three's participation in the final in Bilbao.

Tottenham have not been quite so lucky, however.

Five players will definitely miss the game through injury, while three more will miss out due not not being registered to play in the Europa League knockout stages.

Let's start with the unregistered players. UEFA rules allow three changes to be made to squads mid-season, to incorporate new signings in the January transfer window.

Mathys Tel, Djed Spence and Kevin Danso were chosen, with three players - Fraser Forster, Timo Werner and Radu Dragusin dropping out. New signing Antonin Kinsky was not registered, while Dragusin also fits into the injured category.

Spurs will also be without midfielders James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Lucas Bergvall, all of whom have been ruled out with injuries.

Meanwhile young striker Dane Scarlett, who scored in the 3-0 win over Elsfborg in the league phase, is also out with a groin injury.

Tottenham have taken their entire squad out to Bilbao, however, with every player involved in the competition part of the group to travel to Spain.

The day has finally come with Tottenham set to take on Manchester United in the Europa League final this evening (8pm kick-off).

The sides will meet at San Mames in Bilbao after Spurs overcame Bodo/Glimt and United defeated Athletic Bilbao in the semi-final. Both teams have struggled domestically this season, but United remain unbeaten in the competition.

The winner will earn a spot in next season's Champions League.

Spurs have been searching for silverware for the past 17 years, while United last won a major European trophy in 2017 - the Europa League under Jose Mourinho.

Ange Postecoglou will be without some key players for the final, and here, football.london takes a look at the latest state of play.

Dejan Kulusevski

Injury: Knee.

What Ange Postecogloy has said: "He has had surgery and it will put him out for at least a few months."

Possible return date: Next season.

James Maddison

Injury: Knee.

What Postecoglou has said:"Madders from the first leg, so he's out. He'll miss the rest of this season and it’s disappointing for him. I'm disappointed for him because he's been a real catalyst for us. He'll miss out but that's been the story of our season."

Possible return date: Next season.

Lucas Bergvall

Injury: Ankle.

What Postecoglou has said: "It’s not helpful. Some of it is just to protect the players themselves. You can imagine, Lucas was devastated. He didn’t want to deal with it and we didn’t want to make it public, not as much about the opposition but to give him the time to process it.

"He’s a young man. He had such a high in the week, he had signed a new deal, he was playing well, his whole family was out here looking forward to the game. We wanted to protect him more than anything else, but those kinds of levels of decency and respect don’t exist anymore.

"No, Lucas isn’t available."

Possible return date: June/July 2025.

Radu Dragusin

Injury: ACL.

What Postecoglou said in February: "Radu underwent surgery today following his ACL injury. That procedure has now been completed, and the centre-back will now commence with his recovery before beginning the rehab process."

Possible return date: Unknown.

Timo Werner

Injury: Hamstring.

What Postecoglou said earlier this month: "He has a hamstring injury."

Possible return date: June/July 2025.

Dane Scarlett

Injury: Groin.

What Postecoglou has said: "Dane has had an operation, he was carrying a groin injury all year, and we decided to get the operation done so he's ready for pre-season."

Possible return date:Pre-season.

If you're a Tottenham Hotspur supporter on a European trip this season then you have probably bumped into Mr and Mrs Vicario, perhaps without even realising it.

Monica and Michele Vicario, the parents of Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo, have become celebrities somewhat within the north London club's fanbase due to their passion for their son's team.

football.london bumped into the Vicarios out in Bodo, while eating breakfast at the same hotel ahead of the Europa League semi-final second leg. and it's easy to see why the Italian duo have become so popular within the fanbase.

Both are warm people, Monica the more outgoing of the pair with those classic Italian hand gestures and an affectionate way of communicating as if she's known you for decades. She spoke at a Q&A at the stadium this season with her son to mark one year of the Women of the Lane supporters' group.

Her husband Michele is quieter, if no less pleasant, just happy to let his wife, with her better grasp of English, take centre stage.

Both are fiercely proud of their son and what he has achieved as he risen up the football ladder, from the lower leagues of Italian football to his Premier League move and then making his international bow for his country.

What has particularly endeared them to Tottenham supporters on these away trips, both in Europe and in the UK, is that the Vicarios throw themselves into it wholeheartedly, wearing Spurs scarves, shouting at matches and often heard to sign off conversations with "Up the Spurs!" accompanied by a big grin.

When football.london asked Vicario whether he was aware that his parents have become celebrities amongst the Spurs fanbase, the 28-year-old gave a little smile and suddenly had the air of a slightly embarrassed child.

"Unfortunately, yes, but no I am happy for them. They are enjoying this moment, they are enjoying this part of their life after 40 years of working. Now they can enjoy and now is my turn to work. They can chill and they can relax," he said.

"They have been there every time [throughout my career], they try to follow as many games as they can. They love football, my Mum as well, so yeah it is a big part of their life trying to see a lot of cities around Europe, around the UK and see as many stadiums as they can and just to try create memories for them and to share with friends."

While that little pang of embarrassment was mostly feigned, Vicario clearly feels he owes a lot to his parents as he stands on the brink of a European final.

"The biggest thing they did was to never put pressure on me on over what I had to choose to do in my life," he said. "It was just to try to find a way you can fit in and this is the biggest gift that they never have been those kind of parents that when you are a young kid of seven-years-old thinking ‘yes, my son will be the next Buffon or next Neuer'. This has been the biggest gift they gave me."

Ahead of the big match in Bilbao against Manchester United, Vicario admitted that he does have to pinch himself at times when he looks over his journey in the sport.

"I cannot be more proud of what my journey has been until this point. Now it is just about trying to finalise the last step we have," he explained. "When I signed for this football club, to imagine about 22 months later I would have the opportunity to play a European final, it is something I am very grateful for. Of course the hard work has been put in, so I am very glad about that."

Italian international goalkeepers will feature in both the Europa League and Champions League finals this month, with Gianluigi Donnarumma set to turn out for PSG against Inter Milan.

Vicario revealed that he has been in constant contact with his compatriot, although he will have split loyalties for that final.

"Oh I texted him many times to be fair, especially the last week and over the last two legs in the semi-final," he said with a smile. "I was very happy for him for the result he achieved.

"Now it is a tricky one in the final of the Champions League because I have my mates from the national team of Inter Milan on one side and him on the other side. I don’t know who I will support."

The main focus for Vicario is Tottenham though and the chance to end a 17-year wait for a trophy at the club, with 41 years passing since they last lifted a piece of European silverware.

"It would be massive for the players, for the staff and especially for the fans. We know we can create history for this football club," said the goalkeeper. "We know that probably next year when we walk through the corridors into the dressing room we will see some photos of us lifting that trophy, but now it is not certain, so we have to keep working as best we can to try to arrive on the day as ready as we can to create history."

Vicario's journey this season came with the added pain of a fractured foot, suffered in a collision with Savinho in the 4-0 victory at Manchester City. That the injury occurred in the first half and the Italian played on for the rest of the game and kept a clean sheet said plenty about his character.

"To be fair I didn’t think about a bone broken in my ankle, it was just we were 2-0 up at the Etihad and the opportunity to keep a clean sheet in that stadium is a memory you can always have in the back of your mind," he admitted.

"So, it was an aim I had to continue and to keep going. I felt it to be fair but I didn’t think [it was a broken bone], maybe a ligament or something you can carry on with. Unfortunately it was a big mistake to play on. We won a big game, I kept a clean sheet but it was also one of the best and one of the worst days of my life."

Now Vicario finds himself in a European final after working hard at his recovery, returning far earlier than expected after a couple of months.

"You always try to get yourself in a better place, the safest place and of course the injury has been a big deal for me, a big part of my season this year, but I try to take it in a good way to try to help the team when I was back," he said.

"To live this kind of moment and to win a semi-final of a European competition to go into a final, it was of course a big aim for myself to try to arrive in May and have the opportunity to play this kind of game."

Vicario has become a key man at the club, having been incorporated this season into the squad's leadership group with captain Son Heung-min and vice-captains Cristian Romero and James Maddison. With a young Tottenham team set to take to the turf against United, the Italian's actions as much as his voice will be required in Bilbao.

"It is just to try to lead them because I think words can sometimes, you speak a lot but it is the way you act. In the way you behave in the dressing room, or during training and being the first to go to the gym and last to go away from the training ground on a daily basis is a good commitment because people can see how committed you are and how much you embrace the challenge," he said.

"I think that is a big part of my journey, of my life and then try to just give them the best example of how to behave on the pitch, off the pitch and try to be the best human being you can be."

It's clear where the Tottenham goalkeeper gets that attitude from and the Vicarios will hopefully be celebrating with the fans on Wednesday night in Bilbao. If you hear someone enthusiastically exclaiming 'Up the Spurs', then you know they are close.

Tottenham Hotspur's key midfielder James Maddison has shared a post of himself in Bilbao as his team prepare to face Manchester United in the Europa League final.

Maddison has done well for Ange Postecoglou in a season that has been incredibly disappointing for the north London club. He has registered 12 goals and 11 assists in all competitions which included the winner against United in the Premier League back in February.

The former Leicester City man has flown out to the Basque Country with his teammates and shared a post from the club's official social media account of himself in Spain. "Taking it all in," was the caption from Tottenham.

However, Maddison's return from injury will not come before the Europa League final on Wednesday night. Despite being pictured with Postecoglou pitchside during their training session at the San Mames Stadium, the England international will not be in the squad.

Confirming his absence from the game 11 days ago, Maddison posted on social media: "Gutted. Just absolutely gutted.

"We’ve had our sights on that European final in Bilbao from day one of this campaign. So to accept not being able to take part out on that pitch with the boys is really tough to take.

"Injuries are just part of this game that can be so cruel at times. But I truly believe that it can be a special night for my football club.

"Bring on the 21st. All together."

Maddison is in Bilbao to provide moral support for his teammates and his injury return will not come until after the season has come to an end.