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Wednesday, December 24, 1997 Published at 06:14 GMT



Sport

Million pounds man
image: [ Jurgen Klinsmann: I never forgot Tottenham ]
Jurgen Klinsmann: I never forgot Tottenham

Spurs' prodigal son, Jurgen Klinsmann, is reported to be pocketing £1m for his five-month contract at White Hart Lane.

The German striker will earn more than £40,000 a week and there are bonuses on top of that.

He said he was looking forward to the challenge of getting the crisis-hit White Hart Lane club back on its feet and away from relegation danger.

"I have always felt attached to the club from the time I spent here ... I always got information on how the team was playing ... I never forgot Tottenham."

Leaving the Italian club Sampdoria was a shock move but the German team captain explained his decision was a pragmatic one.

"I had a couple of problems with the manager at Sampdoria and also a long injury that kept me out for a while ... then Alan Sugar called me, we spoke and I decided this was the right decision."


[ image: Alan Sugar: Good relationship with the German star]
Alan Sugar: Good relationship with the German star
Klinsmann's return is a remarkable turn-around for both the player and Spurs Chairman, Alan Sugar, who parted on acrimonious terms when the German left White Hart Lane halfway through his two-year contract.

Sugar told the news conference that the previous problems between himself and the player were all in the past.


Alan Sugar says all the problems of the past are over
"I may well have been naive in terms of football contracts in the past ... we've has a good relationship for the last couple of years."

Klinsmann's contract is until the end of the season but there is a possibility that the move could be a permanent one.

"I will stay until the end of the season, after that I go to the world Cup with Germany ... then we will see."

A Christmas present for Spurs fans

The 33-year-old international was named as Footballer of the Year in his one season at Spurs in 1994/5.

He signed for Spurs from French club Monaco for £2m in 1994, becoming part of the `Famous Five' under manager Ossie Ardiles.


[ image: Footballer of the Year 94/95]
Footballer of the Year 94/95
The all-out attacking formation, which saw Klinsmann link up with Darren Anderton, Teddy Sheringham, Ilie Dumitrescu and Nick Barmby, eventually cost Ardiles his job and he was replaced by Gerry Francis.

Under the new boss, Klinsmann proved inspirational as the London club reached the semi-final of the FA Cup, where they were beaten 4-1 by eventual winners Everton.

But Sugar was left furious when Klinsmann took up a get-out option in his contract and decided to return to Germany, where he joined Bayern Munich.

Bayern subsequently went on to win the UEFA Cup the following season, but Klinsmann moved on again last summer - this time to Sampdoria in Italy's league, serie A.


 





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