Tottenham Hotspur striker Dominic Solanke has expressed his excitement after guiding his team to the UEFA Europa League final.
Solanke found the net in Spurs’ crucial semifinal victory over Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt on Thursday night, securing a place in the tournament’s showpiece event later this month.
The final, set to be held in Bilbao, marks a significant moment for Solanke, who joined Tottenham from Bournemouth last summer in search of top-tier European competition.
Solanke, who has Nigerian heritage through his father, highlighted the importance of such opportunities when reflecting on his decision to make the £50 million move.
“100 per cent,” he said. “When you’re at big clubs, you always want to be fighting for silverware. We’ve got the chance to do that in a few weeks.”
He acknowledged the unique pressure that comes with representing a club of Tottenham’s stature, but insisted he thrives under it.
Discussing the weight of his transfer fee, Solanke added, “Pressure is a privilege. I came to the club in the summer. Obviously it’s a big club, so it was big boots to fill.”
Despite some inconsistency in domestic competitions, the 27-year-old has been a key figure in Tottenham’s European run, which he described as a collective effort.
“There’s been some tough games recently but we’ve all played our part,” he said.
Tottenham will face Premier League rivals Manchester United in the final, a fixture that promises high stakes and intense competition.
Solanke underscored the significance of this moment for everyone at the club, including the fans, players, and coaching staff.
“It means everything to the players, staff and fans as well. It’s obviously been a difficult season in the league but we’ve put in good performances in Europe.”
As Spurs prepare for the final, Solanke remains optimistic about their prospects.
“We set our eyes on it from the start and managed to get to this point now,” he said.
