Spurs switch excites Rafael

Dutch playmaker looking forward to Premier League challenge

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 2nd September 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Spurs switch excites Rafael

Van der Vaart: Fresh start

Four years at Spurs, for 11million euros, I can hardly believe it myself.

Rafael van der Vaart
Quotes of the week

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Rafael van der Varrt admits his last-minute move to Tottenham came as a welcome surprise even to him.

The Holland international saw Spurs move for his services late on transfer deadline day, leaving them facing an anxious wait before finding out if they had got their man.

With technical difficulties having delayed the processing of the paperwork, both player and club were left sweating on clearance.

However, the Premier League ratified the deal on Wednesday and Van der Vaart has subsequently completed his whirlwind £8million move from Real Madrid.

The 27-year-old, who graced this summer's World Cup final, is looking forward to opening a new chapter in his career at White Hart Lane and is confident he can adapt quickly to the rigours of life in the Premier League.

Van der Vaart, deemed surplus to requirements at Real, told De Telegraaf: "Four years at Spurs, for 11million euros, I can hardly believe it myself.

"The interest from Tottenham came very quick and I did not have much time to think.

Style

"But I want to play football again and if possible every week, with a beautiful club. I'm totally happy.

"I am excited about playing in England. Whether it suits my style remains to be seen, but I think a good footballer can adapt and I am very proud of this transfer."

Meanwhile, Real have responded to claims by Spurs boss Harry Redknapp that Van der Vaart was close to joining Bayern Munich at one stage.

The Spurs boss had suggested that the German giants had seen an £18million move collapse on Monday, but Real insist that was never the case.

Sports director Miguel Pardeza told Real's official website: "It is absolutely false that Real Madrid received a 21million euro offer from Bayern Munich for Van der Vaart.

"In fact, the German team never showed an interest to sign the player, so the allegations made in England have greatly surprised us."

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