Rafael van der Vaart, the 27-year-old Dutch superstar, has unveiled the secret that’s been hiding behind his move to Tottenham and has been tormenting him ever since.
For van der Vaart, the move to Madrid (Real Madrid) in 2008 was a lifetime’s dream come true.
He said: “As a boy I dreamed about playing in Spain for one of the top clubs.
“My family live in the south of the country and for my Spanish grandfather. It was the proudest moment of his life when I signed for Real Madrid.
“But a year after joining them a new president was elected and they made it clear in no uncertain terms they wanted me to leave. I was no longer wanted.
“At the start of pre-season training I didn’t even have a squad number. You can’t begin to imagine how that feels. I was dead as far as they were concerned, I was nothing.”
Well-aware he was not wanted there anymore, he wanted to get away as quickly as possible, but couldn’t. Due to his wife’s illness he was bound to stay and take as little he was offered to.
His determination and the spirit of a true fighter helped him to get through all the hardships and secured him the place where he is now. He says he is in a place where he is trully valued, for the immense talent he possesses. He now has the whole package.
“And I couldn’t be happier in my life. Tottenham is a great club. The players are fantastic and so down to earth. And it helps to play for a manager like Harry Redknapp who has so much belief in you,” said the 27-year-old.
With nine goals scored this season, he launches himself to the top of the Spurs’ scorers table. As we understand Real Madrid are desperately searching for a solution to strenghten their attack, van der Vaart fits the profile perfectly. Too bad they let him go that easily!
Written by Kovacevic Amela, freelance writer
Tags: news, Real Madrid, Redknapp, Tottenham, Van der Vaart
