Rafael van der Vaart is leaving

Rafael van der Vaart is expecting to leave Real Madrid after learning he is not in Manuel Pellegrini’s plans for the upcoming season. Having joined Real from Hamburg only last summer he has been deemed surplus to requirements following the big-money arrivals.

Chelsea along with his former clubs Ajax and Hamburg are reportedly keen. Van der Vaart confirmed Pellegrini has told him he will be on the periphery this term and revealed Real want to recoup the 16million euros (£13.5m) paid to Hamburg 12 months ago. He told De Telegraaf:

The coach told me I won’t get much chance to play, so it’s not an option to stay here. Real want to get my transfer fee back. I completely understand that clubs want to wait.

The 26-year-old would be prepared to return to Hamburg and admits his priority is to find a club where he will play regular first-team football. He added:

Of course I am interested in HSV, but it’s not the only option for me. The most important thing is that I will play at a new club.

I will not bluff saying I’m shocked by what has happened. It was expected. Midway through last season itself infact. I would just like to thank Van der Vaart for his services and hope he can become a better player elsewhere. Anyhoo, this isn’t final just like Huntelaar’s future. Lets just hope things will be resolved soon.

In other news there is a strong rumor that Wesley Sneijder is on the verge of a loan move to Inter Milan and the Xabi Alonso saga is still going on. More on that later.

Till then,

Para Siempre Blanco!

Hala Madrid!!