Rafael van der Vaart looking to exit Real Madrid
Holland’s midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has said that he may be leaving Real Madrid before the season begins. Van der Vaart joined Real Madrid during the crazy shopping spree of the Spanish giants before the last season started. Among big names such as Ronaldo and Kaka in the midfield, the Dutchman has not been able to feature regularly for Real Madrid and the Madrid dream did not live up to his expectations he said.
The left footed midfielder said that he will be interested to move to England and Chelsea or Liverpool are his preferred options.
Since the arrival of Jose Mourinho several players at Madrid have started to wonder if they would be part of Mourinho’s big plans. Van der Vaart is certainly one of those who do not feel that they will get too much face time in the upcoming season. First team football is what he is looking for and believes that he will not be able to get that at Madrid.
It is reported that there is some immense interest from English clubs, and the winger has shown his willingness to make the move when the right opportunity arrives. He said that he knows couple of big names from England are interested in availing his services, and he is keen to make the journey across to England.
Van der Vaart said that he has heard that Liverpool and Chelsea are eyeing him. He said it is flattering and those two clubs will suit his style of play. He said that if either of the two clubs makes it clear beforehand that he will be part of their first team, he will not think twice before putting pen to paper.
He added that he shares a very understanding relationship with the Real Madrid board, and he said that if he decided to make the move the club will not try to sabotage the transfer in any way.
He went on to say that the next two weeks will be crucial, and if Liverpool and Chelsea are really interested they will have to come and talk to my people within that time frame. He went on to say that both teams are established names in European football and it will be a great move for him in terms of his career.
The 27 year old Dutchman said that he has enjoyed his time in Madrid and continued to do so, but said that at this stage of his career first team football is the most important thing for him. He said that a club like Madrid can be a dream for anyone and was for him too, but if he does not get his name on the starting 11 it is not worth the money even.
He said he is at a point of his career where most players hit their peak, and he will not want to spend this time sitting on the bench at the Bernabeau. Rafael said that Jose is a great manager and he knows he will take the team to great heights.
Van der Vaart added that even if Mourinho assures him that he will be playing first team football most of the times, he will love to stay. However, considering the squad that they have and the possibility of more players coming in it does look unlikely to him. He went on to say that even though he spent just one season at Madrid but he has immense love and admiration for the club, and will not be able to play in any other club in Spain out of respect for Madrid, so England will have to be his likely destination.
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