Ex-Tottenham star Rafael van der Vaart gushes over Harry Redknapp

Add as preferred source on Google

Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has revealed it was the influence of Harry Redknapp that convinced him to transfer from Real Madrid back in 2010.

The Dutchman pitched up at White Hart Lane in a bargain £8 million deal (BBC Sport), after Jose Mourinho had deemed the playmaker surplus to requirements.

The player claims that he told him he intended to buy Mesut Ozil and was told to leave if he got the chance.

After speaking to Daniel Levy, van der Vaart made the move to the Premier League where he embarked on a brilliant couple of seasons in north London.

The star firmly established himself as a fans’ favourite during his short spell.

He made 77 appearances across all competitions and scored 28 goals for the club.

Despite his relatively short stay, van der Vaart says that manager at the time Redknapp made his time all the more enjoyable.

He said, as quoted by football.london: “Harry, what a character. He was like a father figure and he would put his arm around you.

“He did that with the other players as well.

“For me, it is important when you play for a coach that you want to fight for him. That is important when you have good, talented players, that you want to win for him.”

TBR’s view

van der Vaart signing for just £8 million was arguably one of Daniel Levy’s best bargains.

He didn’t stick around for too long, but he did enough during his time at the club to leave his mark.

He is fondly remembered by Tottenham fans, some of whom got a chance to see him in action again at the recent Tottenham legends match.

Redknapp’s influence clearly managed to bring the best out of van der Vaart, who arguably left White Hart Lane a litte too soon in the eyes of many.