Tottenham hero Palhinha makes decision on future after scoring goal that clinched salvation 

The future of Tottenham has been solidified after their final weekend, 1-0 win over Everton which situates them in the Premier League, and keeps them from what would have been a calamitous relegation. While they know where they will be playing next year, their goal scoring hero from Sunday still has his future up in the air.

Pahlihna sticking with Spurs?

Joao Palhinha is currently on loan from Bayern Munich, and after scoring the game winning goal over the weekend he has become a club hero in North London. Spurs were on the brink of relegation all year long, but survived the scare thanks to the Portuguese midfielder’s goal in the 43rd minute. Tottenham finished two points ahead of West Ham and sent the Hammers spiraling down to the Championship.

His loan is technically up at the end of the season, but Palhinha is intent on sticking around Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and trying to turn this team from a bottom feeder of the Premier League to a contender. “Since the first day I arrived I feel at home. From the supporters, the crowd. Top club. Who doesn’t want to play for Tottenham and stay here? I have everything here. But this is like a marriage. What I can say to you is I would really like to be here and I enjoy it a lot this season with this club – even with it being a tough season.”

After growing up in the Sporting CP youth club and being loaned out for various stints, Fulham came chasing. He spent two years at Craven Cottage before catching the eye of Bayern Munich. He played 17 Bundesliga matches last year before getting loaned out to Tottenham. Now that his season long loan is up, question continue to circle around the Portuguese’s future with Tottenham.

Already thinking about next season

Palhinha is determined to stay at the club and he is already thinking about what the club can do better in the near future. “I think the next season will hopefully be really different and I truly believe. This season will help Tottenham for the future. Analyze the season, what we did wrong, what we did well and it will be a big improvement and a big relief after the season.”

While Palhinha went from a fan favorite to a club legend on the last match day of the season, it was Roberto De Zerbi who was the one who changed things around in the dressing room. Palhinha made his return to the squad in De Zerbi’s first game after suffering a concussion in the Champions League round of 16 first leg against Atletico de Madrid.

De Zerbi didn´t hesitate to rely on the Portuguese midfielder as soon as he saw him fit. He came on for the final half hour in De Zerbi’s first match as manager, a 1-0 loss at Sunderland. Two more substitute roles in matches against Brighton and Wolves would see him return to match fitness and he finished off the season in the starting XI of the final four matches. Under De Zerbi, Tottenham earned 11 points in seven match, and Palhinha scored two of his career high five goals in the Premier League.

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