Rafael rejects Hamburg deal

Van der Vaart tempted by Juve interest

Last updated: 5th January 2008

Rafael van der Vaart Hamburg

Van der Vaart: Kissing goodbye to Hamburg?

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Rafael van der Vaart has confirmed he will not be extending his contract with Hamburg.

The German side are keen to prolong Van der Vaart's present deal beyond 2010, and have offered the Dutch international a two-year extension.

But Van der Vaart has turned down the club's lucrative offer; although he insists it will not necessarily signal his immediate departure.

"I'm not signing, I'm not prolonging (my contract)," Van der Vaart told Bild.

Dream

"I have two-and-a-half years left on my Hamburg contract. That is long enough. At the same time, it does not mean I am already gone.

"But my dream of playing in a very big club is great and if I tie myself to Hamburg until 2012 it would be too long for me."

Juventus have admitted an interest in the former Ajax captain, and Van der Vaart would be tempted by a move to the Italian giants.

He added: "There isn't an official offer. I've heard that Juve are interested and I can imagine myself playing there."