Rafael van der Vaart insists he is committed to Tottenham
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Rafael van der Vaart maintains he has no reason to leave Tottenham, despite them failing to reach the Champions League next season.
Harry Redknapp swooped for the Holland international in an £8million deal from Real Madrid just as the August transfer window closed.
It proved an inspired bit of business as the midfielder, 28, helped guide Spurs through the group stages of a famous debut season in Europe's top flight, with their run eventually ended by his old club in the quarter-finals.
However, Tottenham can no longer offer Champions League football next season, although they look set to qualify for the Europa League after beating Liverpool 2-0 at the weekend.
There had been suggestions the likes of Van der Vaart, Croatia playmaker Luka Modric and Wales full-back Gareth Bale would all move on to play in the elite competition again.
Van der Vaart, though, insists he is happy at White Hart Lane.
"I want to stay here, I think. It's great to be here. You saw how the fans were at Liverpool - so positive - and I am happy," Van der Vaart said in the London Evening Standard.
"Do I see myself at Tottenham for the next few years? Yeah, of course."
Van der Vaart believes despite being able to break into the top four again, Spurs can look back on the campaign with some pride, beating arch-rivals Arsenal at Emirates Stadium in November while recording a famous home win over Inter Milan and also beating AC Milan 1-0 in the San Siro.
"Against the big teams, we always play well but with due respect, against the smaller teams we dropped too many points and if you do that, you don't deserve to be in the Champions League," he said.
"Still, we have had a great season and a long one, as well.
"Everyone gets tired, but when you win games like the one at Anfield, it gives you a lot of confidence.
"You want to be in the Champions League, but you want to play in the Europa League as well.
"It's a great title to win and it means you play at least twice most weeks, which is important.
"The Europa League can help our development in Europe, but you have to remember that we did well in the Champions League.
"Reaching the quarter-finals in our first season was fantastic."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments