Football Transfer News: Is Rafael van der Vaart aiming to join Premier League heavyweights?
Real Madrid playmaker Rafael van der Vaart had apparently revealed his interest for playing in the Premier League. The midfielder claimed that it would be hard to ignore an offer from the likes of Liverpool or Chelsea, and would give it a real thought should the time come. The Real Madrid midfielder would, according to reports, be more than happy to join either Chelsea or Liverpool this season.
The Dutch International has found it hard to break through into the starting line-up of his current club, Real Madrid, and has been rumoured for a move away from the Bernabeu. The reason behind the alleged move is that Van Der Vaart would want new challenges elsewhere. The Dutchman has been strongly linked to a move to the Premier League, and Rafael is aware of the speculations. Owing to the strong interest from the Premier League, Van Der Vaart is flattered with the news, and stated that he has heard of interests from Liverpool and Chelsea, and is really humbled by them. Rafael reportedly added that if any of the two clubs promise to provide him with first team football, he would be more than happy to join, and listen to what they have to offer. Van Der Vaart expects his current club Real Madrid to understand the situation, and would allow the midfielder to hold talks with his potential new employers.
The Dutchman expects the majority of transfers to be completed in the coming two weeks, and added that if Chelsea or Liverpool were interested in talking to the 27 year old, he would listen to them and perhaps strike a deal with the Premier League giants. The Dutch International added that should the teams offer him a starting XI spot, it would be almost impossible for him to turn down the offer. Van der Vaart, however, confessed that he enjoyed his life in Spain, currently with Real Madrid, but at the age of 27, aims for more starting opportunities.
Rafael praised Real Madrid, claiming it to be the most prestigious club in the world, but owing to his age, he looks for more first team football. The midfielder claimed that he would soon be hitting the peak of his career, and would want to use his abilities on the field with the first team, rather than sitting on the bench. The 27 year old was aware of his new manager’s plans and expected that he would allow him to at least hold talks with the potential clubs. Van der Vaart claimed that Madrid would be his first option, and should his current club offer him first team opportunities, he would not leave. If, however, that is not the case, the Dutchman would look for opportunities elsewhere, with the English league being his most favourable target.
Rafael van der Vaart showed his respect for Real Madrid, and therefore claimed that he wouldn’t play in any other club in Spain apart from Los Blancos. The only other place the midfielder sought for himself was the English league, and claimed that that is the only league that comes to the level of the La Liga.
Van der Vaart has only made 58 appearances for his side since joining back in 2008. He has scored 11 times, and showed some great skill in the midfield. However, owing to the arrival of superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka, the midfielder has found it hard to play 1st team football, and has featured in most matches as a second half, impact substitute. Given the time and space on the ball, Rafael is a deadly player who enjoys great vision and ability. The Dutch’s speed and accuracy of through balls and crosses have made some important goals for his side, and would perhaps adjust quickly to the Premier league.
All that being said and reported, however, in a rather strange turn of events, De Telegraaf, the largest Dutch daily morning newspaper, just recently carried a quote from Van der Vaart where he rubbished rumours of a move away from Real Madrid. "I'm determined to stay at Real Madrid. I want to stay here and succeed at Real. It's a shame that the English press has misquoted me. They've written things that are simply not true,” he said.
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