Jurgen Klinsmann, who was reported to have said that he would retire after the World Cup finals, may stay with Tottenham Hotspur after the summer.

The German captain was quoted at the weekend as saying he would quit the game after the finals in France.

"For me, it will be over after the World Cup. I won't play in the European Championship," he said.

His comments were widely interpreted to mean that he would hang up his boots for good after a career which has brought him both World Cup and European Championship medals.

But according to German journalist Torsten Winkler, who was present at the interview, Klinsmann was referring only to international football.

In an interview with the German sports magazine 'Kicker' released on Monday, Klinsmann said he that he would be speaking to Tottenham chairman, Alan Sugar, and may continue with Spurs after the summer.

"I will meet Sugar in April. At the moment, I know for sure what my programme will be only for the next five or six months but I might well stay a bit longer," he said.

The earlier news that the 33-year-old would quit at the end of the season brought a tribute from Spurs chairman Alan Sugar, who famously claimed in 1995 that Klinsmann's shirt was not good enough to wash his car with after the player's departure from White Hart Lane.

But the pair settled their differences before he returned for a second spell in London. Sugar said: "I'm sure everyone in football would like Jurgen's last season to be a memorable one.

"He has been an impeccable role model and professional throughout his career."

Klinsmann rejoined Spurs last month and signed a contract until the end of the season. He also expressed his intention to lead his country in the World Cup finals in France although he is not certain to clinch a place in his nation's World Cup squad.

Klinsmann scored his first goal since returning to Spurs in Saturday's 1-0 Premiership win over West Ham.

Back to top | BBC News Home | BBC Homepage	©