Assou-Ekotto denies exit talk

Benoit Assou-Ekotto has denied suggestions that he is looking to leave Tottenham in order to secure guaranteed Champions League football.

Assou-Ekotto has been a key figure for Spurs this term, playing every league game until suffering a season-ending shoulder injury against QPR last month, but a story in France Football appeared to suggest he was eyeing a transfer.

The Cameroon international, who has been at White Hart Lane since 2006, moved quickly to refute such claims, telling BBC Sport: "I want to take this opportunity to clarify some comments that have appeared in the media today.

"I am fully committed to Tottenham Hotspur and proud to represent the club in any match, whatever the competition.

"I am very much enjoying my time here. It is a wonderful club with great support and I am looking forward to recovering from my injury in time for next season."

Assou-Ekotto was reacting to stories that referred to a possible "gentleman's agreement" with chairman Daniel Levy regarding his availability should a top European club declare an interest.

"Everything is possible," France Football quoted Assou-Ekotto as saying.

"When I met my chairman last January, he told me that if a club bigger than Tottenham came for me, it (the club) would not necessarily be against a departure.

"With my chairman, there was a gentleman's agreement. As he is a man of his word, I hope it will make things easier if a great club comes in.

"If there is a change at Tottenham - some more money is made available maybe - I wouldn't be against the idea of staying, but otherwise I'll try to move forward, as I did when I left Lens.

"A few months ago, I said I never wanted to participate in the Europa League, because this competition is useless.

"If I have to leave Tottenham, it will be to join a club that makes the Champions League.

"Spain, Italy, Germany, wherever. The grass is green everywhere!"