Former Tottenham Hotspur playmaker Rafael van der Vaart could remain a Hamburg player until he retires.
Rafael van der Vaart was one of the first players set free by Andre Villas-Boas at Tottenham Hotspur as the Dutchman’s often lazy and mercurial performances did not fit in with the AVB philosophy.
But under Harry Redknapp RVDV became something of a cult hero at White Hart Lane. His enigmatic presence on the football pitch would always ally himself to the fans – and the passion in which he played the game was also a joy to behold.
But the bargain buy from Real Madrid was simply not the Portuguese’s cup of tea – and was allowed to re-join former team Hamburg SV in the summer of 2012.
It was a move that left many a Spurs fan scratching their heads – and Hamburg fans rubbing their hands, because the Imtech Arena is possibly the only other place where his presence is more welcome than at White Hart Lane.
He is a hero to Hamburg fans – and in what has been a tough 2013 for the club and player, both will be looking forward to a new year.
Hamburg are in trouble on and off the pitch. New manager Bert van Marwijk is doing his best but the team has diminished because of financial troubles which saw them warned about bankruptcy in the German press this month.
For RVDV it has been a difficult year off the pitch. His relationship with former Holland team-mate Khalid Boulharouz’s ex-wife has been tabloid fodder in Germany and Holland the year round – and in December it turned to tragedy, as Sabia Boulharouz unfortunately suffered a miscarriage whilst carrying what would have been their first child together.
However 2014 brings new hope – and with a marriage planned for the summer RVDV can begin to plan his future once again.
But a return to England looks unlikely.
It was recently reported that his club were ready to offer him a new contract – one which could see the 30-year-old finish his career at the club.
His current deal expires in 2015 at the age of 32 – but a new two-year extension would take him to the age of 34.
In his injury prone career that might be curtains for the player – and he did not seem remiss to the idea when speaking to Bild this week:
“I want to continue as long as possible in the best job in the world. And if HSV wants me as a footballer after my contract ends in 2015 , then I would imagine it would be good.”
image: © Jan S0L0
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