Rafael van der Vaart will reportedly sign a three-year-deal with Spanish side Real Betis on Monday after leaving Hamburg.
- By Michael Bell
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According to German newspaper Bild, Van der Vaart has agreed to join Real Betis when his contract with Hamburg expires on the 30th of June, and will put pen to paper on his contract with the La Liga side on Monday,
The 32-year-old could have returned to first club Ajax this summer, with director Marc Overmars and coach Frank de Boer openly stating they were hoping to lure their former captain back to Amsterdam, but Van der Vaart has decided to move closer to his grandparents who live in Andalusia.
Van der Vaart had revealed earlier this year that he promised his grandfather he would join Andalusian side Cadiz one day, but with their relegation to the Segunda division, there was no way they could have afforded the Dutch international’s wages. However in joining Betis, Van der Vaart will be only an hour’s drive away from his grandparents, who can now watch their grandson in action weekly.
Its the second time in his career that Van der Vaart will play in Spain after his spell with Real Madrid between 2008 and 2010. However instead of challenging for the title this time, the midfielder will try and help Real Betis stay in La Liga after their promotion this season.
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Not happy with this decision he should join Ajax to play in champions league & go back to the international Dutch team
do not worry Carol I promise you Betis will play Champions league next season 🙂