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Rafael van der Vaart admits what he did at Tottenham in 2012 was ‘not smart’

Tottenham fan favourite Rafael van der Vaart has reflected on one of the biggest decisions he made during his playing career. Van der Vaart might…

By Bharad Thirumalai · Spurs web

Published: Wednesday, 30 September 2026 at 8:00 PM

Key Things to Know

Rafael van der Vaart admitted returning to Hamburg from Tottenham in 2012 was not a smart sporting decision.
The midfielder pushed for a transfer after manager Andre Villas-Boas told him he would be second-choice behind Gylfi Sigurdsson.
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy originally did not want to let Van der Vaart leave the North London club.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has reiterated his regret over leaving the club to rejoin Hamburg in 2012. Speaking to Bild, the Dutchman confessed that departing Spurs while at the top of his game was not a smart sporting decision, despite his emotional desire to help Hamburg avoid relegation.

Van der Vaart previously revealed his departure was triggered when incoming manager Andre Villas-Boas preferred Gylfi Sigurdsson as the starting number ten. Despite chair Daniel Levy's reluctance to sell, Van der Vaart pushed for the transfer after scoring 28 goals in 77 appearances under Harry Redknapp.

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Rafael van der Vaart admits what he did at Tottenham in 2012 was ‘not smart’

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