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Rafael van der Vaart says he will remain at Tottenham despite transfer speculation

 

William Robson
Friday 13 July 2012 12:52 BST
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Rafael van der Vaart of Tottenham
Rafael van der Vaart of Tottenham

Tottenham midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has dismissed speculation that he will be returning to Hamburg as ‘just gossip’.

Hamburg coach Thorsten Fink has already said that he would love to bring Van der Vaart back to the club that he played for between 2005 and 2008.

The Dutchman joined Spurs from Real Madrid in 2010 but before he enjoyed a good spell with the German side scoring 29 goals in 74 appearances.

However, the midfielder has denied that he will be returning to his old club, saying that he plans to stay at White Hart Lane.

"It's kind of incredible how my name has been mentioned across Europe in the last few days," Van der Vaart told BILD. "But I just want to say that this is just gossip talking.

"I am about to play for Tottenham Hotspur in the new season. I have had two good campaigns in England and I am enjoying it.

"It's amazing the people of Hamburg and Hamburger SV still hold me in such kind regard. I enjoy this, it gives me a big boost."

Frank Arnesen, Hamburg’s general manager, has also confirmed that any deal to bring Van der Vaart back is wishful thinking and not going to happen.

Arnesen said: "Rafael van der Vaart would be an ideal signing. Every manager would be glad to be able to rely on him.

"But a transfer of Rafael van der Vaart to Hamburg is impossible. We would require massive subsidies for that."

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