Lewis Holtby: German youngster ready for a fresh start with Spurs

The 22-year-old, who moved to White Hart Lane from Schalke in January, was part of the Spurs side pipped to a Champions League berth by Arsenal.

The Germany U21 captain's misery then deepened in Israel at the weekend when his side's European Championship exit was confirmed with a defeat to Spain.

"It's been a bad end to the season, but what can I do? I can't change it now," Holtby said.

"I just have to think positive. Hopefully I still have a long career ahead of me, and all my colleagues are healthy and we have no serious injuries.

"Sometimes you have to put things into perspective and think as a human, not just a footballer.

"I can't wait for next season to start. I think next season is going to be my year.

"I can't wait for pre-season to start. It will be my first pre-season in English football and I plan to give it my all.

"I have settled in very well with the rest of the lads. It feels as though I have been at Tottenham a lot longer than six months.

"It's a great club and I can't wait to try to help them into the Champions League."