SOFIA, Jan 7 (Reuters) - Tottenham Hotspur striker Dimitar Berbatov says speculation over his future is becoming absurd after his agent hinted that he could move in the January transfer window.
'It's getting absurd,' the 26-year-old told Bulgarian Nova
TV. 'I'm fed up of seeing my name in the papers all the time. I
think the papers went too far.
'It's obvious that the speculation will continue to the end
but I wish the press would leave me alone. I just want to play
my game.
'The worst thing is that I see 'my' quotes which I've never
said and it's something that makes me feel bad.'
Both Chelsea and champions Manchester United have been
linked with a move for the prolific marksman who has scored six
goals in his last three matches for Tottenham.
Last month his agent Emil Dantchev was quoted as saying he
had spoken to Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy about Berbatov
being allowed to move on.
'Fans must understand that Dimitar is 27 next month and time
is running out for him to play for a club that can match his
ambition,' Dantchev told The Sun.
Berbatov, a huge favourite with the Tottenham fans after a
fine opening season with the club last year following a £10.9
million move from Bayer Leverkusen, has tried to play
down the speculation.
'Such hysteria seems to me stupid, I'm not worth so much
money,' he said. 'I'm happy at the moment, we'll see what will
happen. I know I can win trophies with Spurs.
'We (Spurs) are working to correct our mistakes and I think
(coach) Juande Ramos is the man who can change things.
'He's very good as a man and as an expert, he can see
details which are hidden from other people's view.'
Berbatov scored 23 goals for Tottenham last season and has
bagged another 13 this season despite a slow start.
Berbatov scored twice against Reading at the weekend but picked up a slight
ankle knock and will need to be assessed before Wednesday's clash at the
Emirates Stadium.
Spurs skipper Ledley King believes keeping hold of Berbatov will be a sign of
the club's ambition.
'It's no surprise he is being linked away but we want to keep hold of our
best players,' said the 27-year-old.
'If we want to be moving in the right direction, we need to hold on to him,
it's as simple as that.!
King was injured last season when Spurs lost to their rivals at the same stage
of the competition despite going 2-0 ahead in the first leg.
'It was one of our biggest disappointments,' said King. 'We are hungry to
put that right and we are happy we have got the chance to play them again.
'We have learnt a lot from last season's disappointment and we will be
stronger this time around. There are new players in, the manager has changed,
but the core of the team is still the same.'
Even with King's recent return from knee surgery, Spurs' defence has looked
shaky, with goals from Berbatov and Robbie Keane keeping them afloat.
'It will be a shame if our problems cost us the chance of winning trophies,'
King added. 'Having got to the semi-final, we want to go on and win it, but
Arsenal can score from anywhere.
'We know that against a side like Arsenal, we can't afford to make many
mistakes so that will be in our plans when we go to the Emirates on Wednesday.
We will want to stay solid because we know we can score goals.
'We will have to defend a lot better than we did last year if we are to go
through.'
Meanwhile, Pascal Chimbonda has revealed his surprise at Spurs being linked
with Alan Hutton as well as signing Chris Gunter, who both play in his
right-back role.
Chimbonda could still, however, sign a new contract.
'I would be happy to stay if I receive the right contract offer,' he said.
Spurs have confirmed Ben Alnwick will be on loan at Leicester until the end of
the season.
