Tottenham star in tears on international duty hours before uniting with Roberto De Zerbi

The Spurs star was in an emotional state just hours after the club had appointed new manager Roberto De Zerbi

Spurs star Dejan Kulusevski broke down in tears on Tuesday night as he watched Sweden beat Poland 3-2 in their play-off in Stockholm to book their ticket to this summer's World Cup.

The midfielder's display of emotion came on the same day that his club appointed Roberto De Zerbi to the managerial hot seat. Kulusevski's Swedish team-mate, Yasin Ayari, was asked by the press about the 25-year-old "crying in the stands" following the game.

The Tottenham player's reaction was possibly a huge outpouring of emotion after a miserable season so far that's seen him sidelined through injury. Ayari said: "As I have said before, I know how much it means to him. Now we are there, we did it for him, for the Swedish people and for ourselves.

"So I'm happy for him. I think we can win the whole World Cup. We have a good squad and believe in ourselves. We have always believed in ourselves."

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Kulusevski travelled to Valencia to support Sweden in their play-off semi-final against Ukraine last Thursday before cheering his team-mates on in his homeland. The Spurs star has claimed he is determined to force his way back into action in time for the World Cup, despite not kicking a ball this season following patella surgery last May.

Speaking to Viaplay, Kulusevski said: "I haven't played in a year. I know what the chances are. But if there is one person on the planet who can do this, I would bet on myself. And we are not just going there to participate.

"Sweden will aim to be one of the best. As long as I live, I will do everything I can so that Sweden, when we go out and play, will not be afraid of anyone. Brazil, France, whoever they are. That's why I'm on this planet. To give faith and love to my people."

Just three weeks ago, Kulusevski had a minor surgical intervention to clean up his knee. Speaking on his latest operation, he alleviated fears, adding: "I understand that people were worried, but it was actually for the wrong reason.

"It was really positive to undergo this small operation and be able to identify the problem. Now everything should be sorted out. Maybe because of things that won't be known because, at the end of the day, it's only God who decides and no one else."

Kulusevski will also be turning his attention to his new manager at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. De Zerbi, 46, signed a lucrative five-year contract on Tuesday.

He replaces Igor Tudor, who was sacked on Sunday following a calamitous 44-day spell in north London. De Zerbi has seven games to preserve Tottenham's top-flight status.

Speaking after his appointment, the Italian said: "I am delighted to be joining this fantastic football club, which is one of the biggest and most prestigious in the world.

"In all my discussions with the club's leadership, their ambition for the future has been clear – to build a team capable of reaching great achievements, and to do that playing a style of football that excites and inspires our supporters. I am here because I believe in that ambition and have signed a long-term contract to give everything to deliver it."