Van der Vaart reveals Metgod factor

Rafael van der Vaart has revealed Johnny Metgod helped persuade him to join Tottenham, who the Dutch playmaker says is "a club of the people". The Holland playmaker completed a deadline day switch to White Hart Lane from Real Madrid in the summer. And Van der Vaart has made a fine impact since the deal, scoring five goals for Spurs and netting in each of his four appearances at White Hart Lane. The 27-year-old spoke with former Nottingham Forest and Tottenham midfielder Metgod before sealing his move to North London. He told the Hotspur magazine: "I knew all about Tottenham as a child in Holland. "I have always been aware of the wonderful players here like Jurgen Klinsmann and Glenn Hoddle while Johnny Metgod, a great friend of mine who scouts for the national team at home, told me that this would be a great club to join." He added: "Speaking to people in London, even before I had played a game, they told me that they love Spurs because the club has always sought to produce and provide entertaining football and that I would do well here. "That was so encouraging to hear because it confirmed the good feeling that I felt in my stomach when I first knew I was coming here. "True, I left Spain in some haste but that's football and if you're convinced that your destination is a good one then you travel with greater confidence and with a spirit of anticipation. To me, it is a club of the people and I like that. "People here play from the heart."