Hugo Lloris deal 'massive step' forward for Tottenham, says Mauricio Pochettino
Saturday 24 December 2016 09:31, UK
Hugo Lloris' new deal is the clearest sign yet Tottenham are building an exciting future, according to manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Pochettino signed a new contract with Spurs in May and has since seen a number of first-team players follow his lead.
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Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Jan Vertonghen and Christian Eriksen are just four of the regular starters to have signed new deals, but the future of Lloris had remained uncertain until this week.
Spurs' goalkeeper and captain is now committed until 2022, this season's limp Champions League exit failing to push him towards the exit, and his manager said: "That is a massive step forward for the club.
"He's our captain, our leader. All the players respect him and identify him like a leader. That is our biggest step forward to sign him and give him a new contract and to show the commitment.
"I never felt I was about to lose him but we know him very well and he's one of the best keepers in the world and always in the attention of other clubs. Nothing changed.
"The feeling always was he wanted to show his commitment and this was a great opportunity."
With the memory of last season's Premier League title challenge still fresh and a new stadium under construction, Pochettino offered hope that the days of losing top players like Gareth Bale and Luka Modric are in the past.
He said: "All the players are talking about projects, all are talking about future, all are talking about being happy here. In the way they try to play they are happy. They agree with our philosophy. That is the answer.
"The players are happy to be here. For different reasons. Tottenham can provide the facilities, in one year and a half a new stadium. The answer is easy to find why.
"All our players want to be involved in the project for a long time. That's fantastic for us. It's a good signal and a good message for our people, for the club."
