Source: Daily_Mail
Tottenham new boy Rafael van der Vaart insists he is no Real Madrid reject
Rafael van der Vaart maintains he was no 'failure' at Real Madrid - but will not take a place in the Tottenham team for granted.[LNB]Battle: Van der Vaart faced Standard Liege in pre-season but was expecting fewer first team chances at the Bernabeu[LNB]Spurs were able to complete the £8million signing of the Holland international after the Premier League ratified the 11th-hour transfer deadline day move.[LNB]The 27-year-old former Ajax and Hamburg midfielder appeared surplus to requirements at the Bernabeu, with Germany star Mesut Ozil having arrived in the summer.[LNB]However, while the Dutch World Cup finalist maintains he has nothing to prove at White Hart Lane, Van der Vaart knows competition for places will be intense.[LNB]'I have not been a failure at Real Madrid,' Van der Vaart told talkSPORT. 'I have always given my best over the last few years for both club and country. Now I have arrived at Tottenham and I want to show my quality.[LNB]'A number of clubs have been interested in me, but I always wanted to consider the best option at the last moment. When I saw that I would not be playing, I knew I had to leave.[LNB] Real hero: Van der Vaart celebrates scoring for Madrid against Sevilla last season[LNB]'The Premier League is one of the best leagues in the world. Ican only say if I have been worth the money at the end of the season.'[LNB]Vander Vaart is confident he will be able to perform in the Premier League.[LNB]Replacement: The arrival of Mesut Ozil (front) left Van der Vaart's path blocked at Real Madrid[LNB]He added: 'I don't think I am going to have any problems adapting in England to the style of play and the country I am living in.[LNB]'Thefact that Tottenham were playing in the Champions League influenced my decision a great deal. I have to earn my place in the team.[LNB]'Tottenhamhave a number of sensational players and I know it is not going to be easy, but that is the challenge I am looking forward to.'[LNB]Midfielder Niko Kranjcar feels the Dutchman will prove another shrewd buy for Harry Redknapp, and joins a club very much on the up following qualification for the first time to the group stages of the Champions League.[LNB]'It's a great signing, a player who has played for Real Madrid and Holland. We are all looking forward to seeing him join us,' the Croat told Sky Sports News.[LNB]'We unfortunately lost points at home to Wigan Athletic, but it's a competitive league and it is early.[LNB]'We have got one of the best squads in the league and I really do believe we have everything to compete in all four competitions.'[LNB] Tottenham new boy Van der Vaart hails his 'beautiful' move to the LaneTottenham told need to make better bid for South Africa defender KhumaloRafa's arrived! All you need to know about Tottenham's new signing Rafael van der VaartLEO'S LONDON: The summer's transfer window winners and losers... TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR FC
