Gareth Bale has put speculation over his Tottenham future to bed after signing a new four-year deal to remain at White Hart Lane.
The Wales international was linked with a move to Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester City in recent weeks after admitted he could leave Spurs after they failed to qualify for the Champions League.
But 22-year-old insists he wants to guide the North London club back into Europe’s elite competition next season after extending his stay until 2016.
“The club is progressing and I want to be a part of that, so it was great to get the deal done,” Bale told Tottenham’s official website, www.tottenhamhotspur.com.
“I’ve been here for five years now and I’ve enjoyed every minute. The fans have been great to me and I’d love to repay them and do the very best for them.
“The club is progressing and I want to be a part of that, so it was great to get the deal done. I love the club and the fans and I want to play my part in trying to get us back into the Champions League – where we belong.
It’s looking like Bale won’t be joined at Spurs next season by Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen after the transfer stalled over due to a clause in the Belgium internationals contract that entitles him to 15% of the agreed £9.5 million fee.
With the deal looking likely to breakdown the 25-year-old spoke of his disappointment at not sealing a move to the Premier League.
“This is a shame. I thought that it would be sorted out much sooner,” he told Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad.
“As it looks now, I’ll be at Ajax on July 2. I’m hoping for a solution, but I’m not expecting a solution.
“I have one advantage: Ajax have got a good coach who knows me.
“I play in a good, stable squad. Let’s become champions with Ajax for the third time in a row.”