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"Who doesn't want to play for Tottenham and stay here?" Joao Palhinha replied when asked whether he would like to make his stay at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium permanent, after helping the club to Premier League safety this season.
The defensive midfielder has made 45 appearances during his loan spell from Bundesliga club Bayern Munich, scoring seven goals and contributing three assists, including one goal in Tottenham's final-day relegation decider against Everton.
"I have always shared my thoughts," Palhinha said. "Since the first day I arrived here, I have felt at home. It is a top club.
"Who doesn't want to play for Tottenham and stay here? I have everything here, but this is a like a marriage.
"What I can say is that I would really like to be here. I have enjoyed being with this club a lot this season, even with it being a tough season."
However, Palhinha's loan spell hasn't been all sunshine and roses. After scoring a goal in a 2-0 win at Manchester City, Thomas Frank's decision to continue to play him out of position contributed to the club's poor run of results.
The Portugal international then lost his place in the starting XI over the winter months, before Igor Tudor came in and played him in a back three.
But Roberto de Zerbi's arrival turned things around for Palhinha in the back end of the season, with standout performances coming against Wolves, Aston Villa and Everton.
After securing Premier League survival on the final day of the season De Zerbi said he would "100 percent" like to keep Palhinha at the club.
"I think next season will be really different, I truly believe it will be," Palhinha continued. "I think this season will help Tottenham in the future."
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