Robben tells Rafael to wait

Real winger's advice to Dutch colleague

By Lucas Brown   Last updated: 1st August 2008

arjen robben rafael van der vaart holland

Van der Vaart & Robben: Could be united at Real

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Arjen Robben has told Rafael Van der Vaart to remain patient and to wait for Real Madrid to call.

The Dutchman was keen to discuss his compatriot's proposed move to the Bernabeu from Hamburg, despite previously stating that he was unwilling to talk about players that were not already at the Spanish giants.

Instead of remaining evasive, Robben believes that there are comparisons between his move from Chelsea and the chase for Van der Vaart.

Van der Vaart has been the subject of a bid from Real, but the German club turned that down and are now expected to resume talks in London at the Emirates Cup.

Calm

"He is a very good player. He would be a great acquisition for Madrid. But I remember when I was at Chelsea and Madrid became interested, it was always 'tomorrow, tomorrow'," Robben told AS.

"It took six weeks for things to happen and that was a very difficult situation that affected me badly. I trained with Chelsea every day but my head was with Madrid.

"I can only advise Van der Vaart to remain calm. He has to keep training with Hamburg and keep physically fit."

Evasive

On the Cristiano Ronaldo saga, Robben decided to play it safe and explained he could not possibly talk about the Manchester United star and that he was only focussing on training and playing.

"Everyone knows that Cristiano is one of the best in the world, that is obvious," he explained.

"But we are working and playing and nothing more. I think that is more important than thinking about who the club will sign.

"It is difficult for me to talk about this because people have been on about it already for two months. I prefer to talk about players when they are with Madrid."

Injuries

Robben has been labelled the 'Glass Man' in Spain after incurring a number of injuries during his time at Real and he admits that it has affected him.

"It does hurt a bit, but not because they call me that, but because I know people read it and believe it and I do not think it is true. I am not made of glass, it is all related to my back," he continued.

"I have worked hard this summer even though I wanted to just relax. I like to work though because I know that I need to and think that I have to do more than other players.

"This year is very important. I want to play better than I have in the past two seasons. I have had many injuries and when you suffer so many it is difficult to play at a high level.

"I am never afraid of playing though and truly believe this could my year. I am really looking forward to it and want to enjoy playing again. That is my first objective."