Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has signed a new five-year contract with the club.
The news will come as a welcome relief to chairman Daniel Levy after Pochettino appeared to cast doubt on his future at the end of the season by challenging the club to match his own ambition and “take risks” in the transfer window.
There have also been reports in recent weeks suggesting Premier League rivals Chelsea are eyeing the Argentinian as a potential replacement for Antonio Conte.
But Pochettino held talks with Levy last week and they obviously went well, with the 46-year-old staying to guide Tottenham into their rebuilt White Hart Lane stadium next season.
He told the club’s official website: “I am honoured to have signed a new long-term contract as we approach one of the most significant periods in the club’s history and be the manager that will lead this team into our new world-class stadium.
“This is just one of the factors that makes this one of the most exciting jobs in world football and we are already making plans to ensure we continue to build on the great work that everyone has contributed to over the past four years.
“Daniel and I have spoken at length about our aspirations for this football club. We both share the same philosophies to achieve long-term, sustainable success.
“This is a special club – we always strive to be creative in the way we work both on and off the pitch and will continue to stick to our principles in order to achieve the success this club deserves.”
Pochettino joined the club in 2014 from Southampton and has delivered Premier League finishes of fifth, third, second and third, ensuring Champions League football for three years in a row.
Their third place finish this season was particularly impressive given the spending of their top-four rivals and the fact they played their home games at Wembley.
He has developed Spurs with a young group of players, playing in an exciting fashion and has nurtured talent such as Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Kyle Walker and Danny Rose into top class players.
But there has been a growing clamour to underline Spurs’ rise to the top of the English game with trophies, leading to Pochettino’s surprise comments at the end of the season.
Time will tell whether Pochettino will get what he wants in the transfer window this summer, but Levy is excited for the future.
Levy said: “I am delighted that we have agreed a new, extended contract with Mauricio.
“We have been on an extraordinary journey and the times ahead look even more exciting as the club enters the next phase in its history.
“Mauricio has fostered an incredible spirit in the team and has embraced a style of play our fans have loved watching.
“I know they will welcome this commitment by Mauricio.”
Pochettino’s backroom staff of Jesus Perez, Miguel D’Agostino and Toni Jimenez have also agreed new deals.
