Former Tottenham midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has said that leaving the club was ‘the most stupid decision of his career’.
The Dutch midfielder swapped White Hart Lane for Hamburg in 2012 upon the appointment of Andre Villas-Boas, but has now revealed that he regrets the move following the expiration of his contract in Germany.
Speaking ahead of the unveiling at his new club Real Betis, van der Vaart discussed his fondness of the club and also heaped praise on former Spurs manager Harry Redknapp.
“It was a stupid decision, the most stupid of my career to leave Tottenham,” said the Dutch international.
“It was an unbelievable team. I absolutley regret it (leaving) because it was the best two years in my football life.”
“Harry – he was like your dad. I would give everything for that man.”
van der Vaart also revealed that he tried to engineer a move back to North London this summer, but could not refuse the offer from Real Betis.
“Because I didnt have a contract I almost tried to come back, then Betis came and I decided to come to Betis, but Tottenham was always special.”
“If Spurs had wanted me, I would have gone. But Betis came and the decision was quick: Betis,” said the 32-year-old.
van der Vaart’s last game for Hamburg came in a play-off tie with Second Division Karlsruher SC, in which the Bundesliga side needed extra time to secure their top-flight status for another year.
New club Real Betis are back in La Liga for the coming season, after suffering relegation at the end of the 2013/14 season.
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