Bergvall signs Tottenham deal after saying he wanted to leave

Lucas Bergvall shootsImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Lucas Bergvall has been capped 14 times by Sweden and became his country's youngest men's player to appear at a World Cup

ByAlastair Telfer
BBC Sport journalist
  • Published

Sweden midfielder Lucas Bergvall has signed a new contract at Tottenham, three months after saying that he wanted to leave.

The 20-year-old told the club he wanted a move in the summer, having had limited playing time following Roberto de Zerbi's arrival towards the end of last season.

Nottingham Foresthad a £38m bid rejected by Spurs for the Swede, while Aston Villa and Chelsea were also interested.

So far this season, he has played 45 minutes for Spur in the Premier League.

"I think we're building something great here. It's an exciting time for the club and that's why I'm happy to extend my contract," Bergvall said.

"I'm always trying to achieve as much as possible, to be the best version of myself both on and off the pitch and I know this is the right place to do that.

"Personally, my goal is to produce more for the team - performances, goals and assists - to help as much as I can. I'm getting better every day in training and I'm looking forward to what will be a really good season ahead."

De Zerbi said in July that Bergvall, was "a top, top, top player" but made clear he would not try to "convince anyone to stay" against their wishes.

The Italian admitted he had made mistakes in his handling of Bergvall during a chaotic end to last season, in which Spurs narrowly avoided relegation.

Speaking about Bergvall's renewal, De Zerbi said: "I believe his best football is still ahead of him and we want to give Lucas the platform to reach his full potential."