Hugo Lloris has admitted it was a ‘really easy’ decision to extend his stay at Tottenham for another two years.
The Tottenham captain was set to be out of contract at the end of the season and has been free to talk to foreign clubs since the start of January about potentially signing a pre-contract deal.
But Spurs have now confirmed that Lloris won’t be going anywhere in the summer with the Frenchman penning a fresh contract until 2024.
The 35-year-old, speaking to the club’s official website, has since opened up on why he chose to extend his stay in North London and what his future targets are under Antonio Conte.
He said: “The relationship with the fans is important for me. In the last few months, I’ve felt their support even more than before. So, the decision [to sign a new deal] was really easy for me.
“I believe we are in a new process under Antonio Conte. He’s giving us a foundation and structure towards the team. Then, it’s up to the players to show their quality. Step by step we’re going to see improvement.
“My wish is to become even more competitive, and why not get back to the Champions League? This is my personal target to help the team and the club to continue that way.
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“In my mind I know it’s probably the last few years of my career and I really want to enjoy every moment.
“I want to feel the pain when I lose, I want to feel the pain when I draw, I want to feel the happiness when I win. That is my motivation every day.
“Now is the beginning of a new process and hopefully with the help of Antonio Conte and his staff, with his experience, with his energy, with his discipline, we can make something important for the club.”
Lloris is the oldest in the Spurs dressing room and has reached a point in his career where many players would consider retirement from football.
But he admits he ‘feels good’ both physically and mentally and is not considering hanging up his boots just yet. However, he did add that he would be demanding more from himself than ever over the next two years.
He added: “When I started my career I always had a reference, a target – to arrive at the age of 35 years old. Now, I listen to my body and myself even more and I feel really good. That’s the most important thing.
“I decided to continue because I feel good in my mind and my body and I feel ready for the challenge for the next few years – ready to fight and ready to work.
“This is something that is in my mind every day. When I wake up in the morning I go to the training group with happiness and the desire to work and improve.
“I believe there is no age for improvement. You can get [better at] a lot of things, it doesn’t matter what age you are.
“I used to be very demanding on myself and I will continue in that way. Probably now even more towards the players around me because it’s the only way to improve together as a team and to reach a high level.
“Winning is my motivation. As long as you give yourself every chance on your side to be competitive and be ready to fight, you increase the chance to win. But it has to be from a lot of players.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Securing Lloris for another two years is just as good as a new signing. He has been so dependable for the club over the years and he doesn’t look to be showing any signs of slowing down. It would have been a big hole to fill if he did end up leaving this summer.
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