Berbatov reacts strongly to rumours

Dimitar Berbatov has criticised reports linking him with a move away from Tottenham, saying: "I am not going anywhere."

The Bulgaria striker's future has been the subject of intense speculation in recent days amid rumours he is unsettled at struggling Spurs and is angling for a January move to Manchester United.

But the 26-year-old, currently preparing for tonight's Uefa Cup tie at Hapoel Tel Aviv, told his club's official website, www.tottenhamhotspur.com: "The fans love the club and they have been behind me ever since my first game. I appreciate them the most and I want to tell them that I am not going anywhere."

Yesterday the Spurs boss Juande Ramos appeared to indicate that he would not stand in the £10.9million striker's way if he wanted to leave.

Members of Berbatov's family have been quoted in reports this week claiming the former Bayer Leverkusen star is looking to leave.

The player himself was furious they have been brought into the matter, saying: "There has been a lot of stuff written about me leaving.

"I haven't said anything until now, but they are now involving my family and I cannot allow that. When somebody is writing lies about my family, I must get involved.

"I am my own man, when I want to speak I will and I will tell you the truth no matter how hard it is. That is why I am talking now.

"I just want to say that I am here, I am happy here and I will help the club in any way I can."

Berbatov, who has two-and-a-half years left on the contract he signed when he joined Spurs in the summer of 2006, claims the transfer rumours have affected his game.

After a sensational debut season in which he scored 23 goals, he has managed to net only twice this term.

He said: "I have a contract and I will give my best. For now, it is not going so well for me because all the writing in the papers has been messing with my head and I lost my concentration.

"I don't want to see my name in the papers anymore - I just want to play football and enjoy myself.

"When I see things in the paper with somebody telling lies about my father, how can I be calm? I am disappointed and I don't understand how somebody can write something like that - it is a lie.

"Bringing my family into it is the biggest sin."