‘Going back to play at the Bernabeu is a dream for me’ – Rafael van der Vaart looks forward to Tottenham’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid

Rafael Van der Vaart, Tottenham (Getty Images)

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Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rafael van der Vaart is eagerly anticipating a return to Real Madrid, admitting that he misses Spain.

The 28-year-old made a deadline day move from the Bernabeu to Spurs last summer to pursue regular football and has become a fan favourite at his new club, but revealed that he still has a soft spot for his former side.

“Going back to play at the Bernabeu is a dream for me. It’s going to be special,” said Van der Vaart, according to The Sun.

“I have played in my country Netherlands, in Germany, in Spain and now in England. Playing at the Bernabeu is unique so I am pleased to return to Madrid.”

The arrival of Mesut Oezil last summer paved the way for the Dutchman to join Spurs, and the Dutchman revealed that he was somewhat dejected at leaving but it was necessary for his career.

“I felt very bad when I left because I was leaving the best club in the world,” he said.

“But I wanted to play every game and in Madrid there are a lot of exceptional players – Oezil, Kaka.

“I am 28 and to keep myself at a great level I need games. I wasn’t going to stay and not play. Now I am very pleased in London with Tottenham.”

Despite his feelings for Real, the former Ajax man believes that Spurs can show the Spanish heavyweights the way out of the Champions League.

“I love the Real fans,” Van der Vaart said. “I love them but I also want to give them a big disappointment.

“I am a Tottenham player. We have chances of winning the tie because we have a lot of quality and very good players.”