Hahnemann responds to Spurs rumours

Anthony Smith • Published 4 Dec 2008 13:00 0 Comments

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MARCUS Hahnemann has re-affirmed his commitment to Reading's promotion campaign following rumours linking the USA goalkeeper with a shock move to Tottenham.

Reports suggest Spurs boss Harry Redknapp wants to sign the 36-year-old in January as a replacement for clown keeper Heurelho Gomez.

But while Hahnemann admits the stories are flattering, he says he has no intention of ditching the Royals midway through the season.

However, he also told the Chronicle that he is becoming concerned about his long-term future as his current contract is due to expire next summer.

"The first I heard of it was when Adam Federici called to ask if I'd read the papers," explained Hahnemann. "Then he told me I was being linked with Tottenham but I thought he was being crazy.

"It's really flattering, though I don't know how much of it is true. But I work very hard and it is nice to get recognition from another club, especially one as big as Tottenham."

However, Hahnemann, who made his 300th appearance in English football in Monday's 3-1 win against Coventry, also admitted:

"The scary thing is that, as of August, I won't get paid any more. That's a frightening prospect in anyone's book so you never know what can happen in football.

"You try and be smart with money. Monday's game was by 300th appearance in England but it's not like I've been making crazy money in the top league all of that time. I have to look out for my family."

While there is every chance Reading will renew Hahnemann's rolling one-year rolling contract next summer, Spurs could be prepared to offer him a longer deal.

The ex-Fulham stopper has also spoken of his desire to finish his career in America, possibly with Seattle Sounders who hail from his home town.

But it seems at this point Hahnemann has no desire to leave the Madejski Stadium: "All I've ever wanted is to get back into the Premier League with Reading," he stressed.

"Just because a few stories have come out this week it doesn't change the way I feel. Relegation hurt us all last season and we desperately want to put it right."

Hahnemann maybe in the autumn of his career but he is not ready to hang up his gloves after reaching his landmark 300th game, 289 of which have come in a Reading shirt.

In fact, the ex-Colorado Rapids star was ready to pack in football and return to the States in the early years due to a lack of first team football at Fulham.

However, ex-Royals boss Alan Pardew brought him to the MadejskI Stadium on a free transfer and his career took off.

"I wasn't really playing at Fulham so most of my appearances have come at Reading and the time has gone pretty quickly," he admitted.

"I'm 36 and I know I still have a few years left in me at least. But you can tell when you are getting older because it takes you longer to recover.

"Saying that, I still feel great. I have a great relationship with Sal Bibbo (goalkeeping coach) who knows when to work me hard and when to let me rest. It's worked well for us and I definitely feel I can still play at the top level."

Hahnemann has played every minute of every league game this season, an impressive run only matched by right-back Liam Rosenior.

"I have the shirt from my 100th appearance on the wall in my house," he added. "I thought that was a huge milestone but now I've made 300 and I'm not finished yet. I'm playing every game and I'm proud of myself for staying fit enough to do that."

This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 04 Dec 08

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