Pochettino slams door on exit rumours

LONDON: Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino denied on Wednesday the existence of a buy-out clause in his contract and said he was committed to staying with the Premier League runners-up.

The Argentine signed a contract extension last year which would keep him at Spurs until 2021 but there has been some media speculation about a move to Barcelona or Italy’s Inter Milan.

The 45-year-old had previously quashed talk of a move to Barca, pointing out he had played for and coached their city rivals Espanyol before moving to England.

“There are many rumours but I am committed with the club, and have no reason to leave. I will stay here, don’t worry. On July 3, for pre-season, I will be here,” he said on Wednesday.

“There is no buy-out clause in my contract, I will stay here next season.”

Tottenham are guaranteed Champions League football next season after making sure of second place in the Premier League, their highest since 1963, behind winners Chelsea. Reuters