Mourinho downplays his role in convincing Alderweireld to stay | OneFootball

Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho has played down his role in convincing Toby Alderweireld to sign a new contract at the club.

The Belgian international has ended speculation over his long term future by signing a new four-year contract with the North London side today, in news that will come as a welcome boost to Mourinho as he looks to bring silverware to the club in the coming seasons.

Alderweireld had entered the final months of his contract and had been strongly tipped to leave the club, but following the appointment of Mourinho last month and Spurs‘ recent resurgence, he has opted to pen a new deal to remain with last season’s Champions League finalists.

Having targetted the defender during his time in charge at Manchester United, Mourinho has spoken at his delight after securing the 30-year-old’s future, but downplayed his role in persuading the defender to remain with the club.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of this weekend’s meeting with former side Chelsea, Mourinho said: “The club is happy, Toby is happy and I believe the fans are happy.

“I read that he said ‘I couldn’t be happier in another place’. That is the fundamental thing.

“The only thing I maybe influenced is that he knows my belief in him. He’s played in every minute of every match since I arrived – six games.”

Spurs will now look to secure the futures of their other out-of-contract stars, with both Jan Vertonghen and Christian Eriksen also in the final months of their contracts at the club.

Vertonghen has expressed a desire to stay though it is expected that midfielder Eriksen will seek a new challenge, Mourinho admitting each situation is different and says he does not expect a ‘domino effect’ following Alderweireld’s deal.

“I don’t think it’s a domino effect,” said the Spurs boss. “Every player is a different situation. When players in the last year sign a new contract it must be a union of desires – with the club, the player, the agent, the family and friends. With Toby the expression of desire came at the same time from every person involved.”

Mourinho insists he is ‘100 percent Tottenham’ ahead of Chelsea reunion

See also – Best of the 2010’s: Each top six side’s Player of the Decade