Rafael van der Vaart says his worst-ever decision was leaving Tottenham
Rafael van der Vaart is a name that brings a smile to the faces of Tottenham fans, but behind his amazing performances and memorable goals lies a regret that has haunted the Dutchman for years.
A journey through two unforgettable years
For two seasons, between 2010 and 2012, Rafael van der Vaart was a player who embodied the heart and soul of Tottenham Hotspur.
In just 77 appearances, he scored 28 goals, many of which were etched into the memory of Spurs supporters.
His journey to Tottenham began in Amsterdam, where he rose through the ranks at Ajax, making his debut at the tender age of 17.
He quickly established himself as one of Europe’s most promising talents, lifting two Eredivisie titles and earning the inaugural ‘Golden Boy’ award in 2003.
After a successful spell at Hamburg and a brief stint at Real Madrid, where he was even nominated for the Ballon d’Or, the attacking midfielder made his way to North London.
In the summer of 2010, fresh off a heartbreaking World Cup final loss to Spain, Van der Vaart signed for Spurs.
His impact was immediate—scoring on his home debut and clinching the Premier League Player of the Month award in October 2011.
With standout performances in the Champions League and a penchant for scoring against Arsenal, he became a fan favourite. But as Ledley King once remarked, Van der Vaart’s time at Tottenham, though glorious, ended too soon.
Rafael van der Vaart’s fateful decision to leave Spurs
Van der Vaart’s departure from Tottenham in 2012 marked a turning point in his career, one that he now looks back on with deep regret.
Speaking to talksport about the circumstances surrounding his exit, Van der Vaart revealed the internal conflict and external pressures that led to his decision.
“I said it many times, I mean, he [André Villas-Boas] is not the bad guy, but the problem is I came back from holiday, and maybe it is something that belongs to me.
He said, ‘You are our second number 10. Sigurdsson first.’ But I was top scorer, and I played two fantastic years. To come back to the club you love and, all of a sudden, you are on the bench, and then Hamburg come to get me back, and then I was really pushing because Daniel [Levy] did not want to let me go.
“I was pushing too hard. It was also not really my best performance, but I did the most stupid decision I have ever made in my career—to leave.”
The legacy of a Tottenham great
While his decision to leave may be one of his biggest regrets, Van der Vaart’s time at Tottenham remains a chapter filled with pride and fond memories.
He often speaks of his deep connection to White Hart Lane, describing the stadium as a place that inspired him even on the most exhausting of days.
“Now, my dream club was always Real Madrid,” Van der Vaart admitted, “but playing for Tottenham was a privilege. White Hart Lane—ah, I have to say I am a romantic guy.
“Playing in White Hart Lane, it is amazing. I played in Bernabeu, I played in many big stadiums. Sometimes you are so tired, you do not want to do anything—let’s get over it—and you walk in White Hart Lane. I have never felt so special.”
For Tottenham, Van der Vaart’s brief but brilliant stint remains a shining example of what it means to play for the badge—a legacy that will not be forgotten.
The post Rafael van der Vaart says his worst-ever decision was leaving Tottenham appeared first on Spurs Web.