Rafael: I’m not a top player yet

The next months will be important for Rafael van der Vaart. The HSV midfielder wants to shine at the EC and still has his dream transfer to Spain in the back of his head….

“I am 24 years old and I have played a WC and an EC already, but both these tournaments weren’t a great success. I am really eager to make my mark during a tournament.” Rafael van der Vaart thinks he is ready. “I have learned a lot in the recent years. I am more multi-functional. At Ajax I sort of leaned on my talent, in Germany I had to grow in all other aspects of the game. HSV was the right choice after Ajax. Playing in the bundesliga tought me I wasn’t ready yet for the really big teams. But in all honesty, I didn’t even have the choice to go to one of the big European teams, so…”

Raf seems to have that choice now, though. Valencia wanted to sign the former Ajax captain. “If other clubs want me too in the future, Valencia will still be my fave.”

Van der Vaart wants to make a step up. “I am not yet a top player. I may become one, but I am not yet. Clarence Seedorf, he is top. World class. Look at the prizes he won. The only thing missing for him is an EC or WC title.”

source: www.vi.nl