Defoe delighted to commit to Spurs

Jermain Defoe is hoping to cap a "fantastic season" for Tottenham by claiming a UEFA Cup place after agreeing new contract terms.

The England striker has put pen to paper on an improved four-and-a-half-year deal with the north London club and paid tribute to everyone at White Hart Lane for helping him settle so quickly following his £7million move from West Ham early last year.

"It's a special day for me. Since I've been at the club the staff, the players, and the fans have all been great and I've thoroughly enjoyed my time. It's all gone so quickly," the 22-year-old said.

"This season has been special as well. I think we've got a strong squad, pushed on and done really well. Everything about the club is great at the moment.

"It's a lovely feeling when people come up to you in the street and say 'there's a massive difference, I love watching Tottenham play now' and it's great to be involved in something like that. If we get into Europe it will be a fantastic season for us.

"There are a lot of young players here plus older players with experience. It always helps when you have so many great players. It's a marvellous club, everyone is so friendly and I've settled so quickly."

Defoe, who has scored 13 league goals for Spurs so far this season, believes he owes a lot to his attacking colleagues.

'It's been quite a season'

He added: "Things have gone well for me but as I keep saying, when you are playing with great players it makes it a whole lot easier. This season everyone has played their part.

"Just look up front, Fredi (Kanoute) has scored goals, Robbie (Keane) has scored goals and then Mido came in and scored twice on his debut. When everyone is playing well and with confidence it makes all the difference for a striker.

"It's been quite a season. It's all happened so quickly. Obviously I also got into the England squad, scored against Poland and I haven't looked back since."

Spurs sporting director Frank Arnesen was also delighted to have agreed a new deal with Defoe, who earlier this season was linked with a move to Chelsea.

The Dane told the club's official website www.spurs.co.uk: "We've been in negotiations for a new agreement for Jermain for a while and we're delighted to announce this news.

"He has signed his contract. Jermain is a young player, a Spurs and England striker with a lot of talent and I'm delighted he's happy and we are obviously happy to continue our relationship. It's good news for Tottenham."

Defoe joined Spurs from West Ham in February last year, having initially requested a transfer away from Upton Park the day after their relegation to the Coca-Cola Championship was confirmed in May 2003.