Harry Kane cannot wait to play Champions League football at Tottenham Hotspur’s new stadium in the 2018/19 season
Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane (right) and Newcastle United's Jamaal Lascelles (left) battle for the ball during the Premier League match at Wembley Stadium (pic: Nick Potts/PA Images). - Credit: PA Wire/PA Images
The England international explains why this season has been so difficult and insists he will be fighting fit for the World Cup
Harry Kane says he cannot wait to play in the Champions League at Tottenham Hotspur’s new stadium next season – and he believes that prospect will help to attract new players.
Kane scored the decisive goal as the Lilywhites beat Newcastle United 1-0 on Wednesday night and secured their third successive top-four finish.
Tottenham have had to play all of their Champions League matches at Wembley in the last two seasons, but they are due to be installed at their new home in time for the 2018/19 group stage.
“You want to be playing Champions League football and I can’t wait for those Champions League nights at the new home,” said Kane.
“I’ve been there once with Hugo [Lloris]. A couple of months back I walked out of the tunnel - it’s incredible. I can’t wait to see it all done up for the fans.
“They remember White Hart Lane quite well - it’s a special place - but this place will be absolutely incredible.
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“The Champions League is the big attraction [for players]. It’s what everyone wants, especially the top players around the world. It’s massive.
“In transfer windows you can never put your finger on [what will happen]. But it’s a big attraction, a massive new stadium, a great team.
“The next step is winning stuff but this is a big year for us. Hopefully we can have a massive year next year and win some trophies.”
Spurs have also had to play all of their Premier League matches at the national stadium this season, and Kane said: “It’s been a tough year with Wembley.
“It’s not easy when teams come here. It’s a big game for them, a big stadium for them. We’ve had to deal with the pressure of that. We’re delighted to finish it off early and take the pressure off for the weekend.
“Does the Wembley factor make this top-four finish a bigger achievement than the previous ones? I think so, I think it is.
“I think some people underestimate how tough it has been at times - 38 games away from home in the Premier League really, and in a competitive league, that’s tough - especially with the top six. Everyone’s fighting for a Champions League spot.
“I’m very proud of the team, we’ve worked hard to do it.”
While Kane has scored four goals in his last seven matches, he has not been in peak form and has seemingly been troubled by the ankle injury he suffered in early March.
“It’s been a long season and a tough season so there will always be little niggles around the body, and aches and pains,” said Kane. “That’s part of it.
“Even when you’re injured you’re still working hard and trying to get fit. I’m at the stage where everyone’s at, tired, but we have plenty of time to prepare for Sunday [against Leicester], then plenty of time to prepare for the World Cup.”
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