Antonio Conte completes ‘big challenge’ of taking Spurs into Champions League

Tottenham boss Antonio Conte says qualifying for the Champions League is like winning a trophy, but again refused to commit to being at the club next season.

Spurs booked a return to the top tier of European football with a 5-0 romp at Norwich, where Son Heung-min shared the Golden Boot with Mohamad Salah after scoring two goals, completing an achievement Conte has described as a miracle.

Tottenham were ninth when the Italian took over in November and then seven points adrift of fourth when they lost to Burnley in February, but 10 wins from their next 14 games saw them overhaul Arsenal, Manchester United and West Ham to claim fourth place.

Conte has continually refused to commit his long-term future to Spurs and again declined the opportunity to do so, citing a pivotal meeting with the club’s hierarchy in a few days’ time.

“I’m under contract until next summer. I signed for one year and seven months,” he said. “I enjoyed a lot my time at Tottenham because, I repeat, for me it was a big challenge.

“To come in during the season, for a coach like me, is not easy. It was a big challenge in a modern club with a fantastic stadium and training ground.

“For me this is a trophy and I’m very happy. Then we’ll see. I always said at the end of the season we’ll speak to the club and find the best solution for me and the club.

“In this moment it was very difficult to speak about this. I’m very tired. I was really focused to get this big achievement.

“It’s very, very difficult to reach a place in Champions League I have to consider this a really big, big achievement for me and for my players. And also for the club to consider this a big achievement… after three years Tottenham is able to play again in the Champions League.

“Despite the