Wilfried Zaha has ended speculation over his future by signing a new five-year deal with Crystal Palace.
The Ivory Coast winger has committed to Palace despite interest from Tottenham Hotspur after helping the club win their relegation battle. After putting pen to paper on the new contract, the 24-year-old told the club’s website: “Palace is in my heart and I don’t think the story is over.”
His performances last season had caught the eye of Mauricio Pochettino, the Tottenham manager, while Arsenal and Manchester City were also believed to have made contact with his representatives in recent weeks. Steve Parish, the Palace chairman, insisted last month he was intent on resisting all offers for the former youth academy product who was purchased from Manchester United in 2015 after moving to Old Trafford in 2012 for £10m.
Zaha added: “I spoke with Steve [Parish] and I think I still have more to give this club. The supporters have been amazing and I want us to do more than just stay in the league next year. I would like to thank the chairman for being a big part of my journey and his fellow owners for backing me and rewarding my progression. Let’s do this!”
Parish said: “Wilf has been with the club since he was eight years old and in the first team from the day I arrived. He is our talisman and someone that week in, week out gives everything for the Red and Blue. I’m delighted he has committed his future to us and look forward to climbing up the table with him next year.”
The new contract, believed to be worth £110,000 a week, brings Zaha into line with the club’s best-paid player, Christian Benteke.
