Rafael van der Vaart (43 years old), former Dutch international great, was present at the handball match between Rapid and Minaur Baia Mare, score 32-30, in the last stage of the Florilor League. He was with his life partner Estavana Polman, the one who checked his last career matcheven for the team from Giulesti, where he transferred in 2022.
Van der Vaart spoke to GSP.ro about the withdrawal of his partner and the emotions he is going through, about the crisis at Real Madrid, his former team, about the title won by Cristi Chivu, his former colleague from Ajax Amsterdam, but also who he sees as the favorite to win the World Championship this summer.
Rafael van der Vaart: “It was very emotional”
“It's fantastic. I think it was worth it and more. I have to congratulate Rapidul, the whole club, and give them a compliment because today gave me goosebumps.
It was very emotional. The older you get, the more emotional you become. But I know what it's like to stop after a fantastic career. Even though it was her passion, now she is starting a new life.
I think he played very well again today. I have told her many times that she is still so good, so fit, but her body really hurts. So now is the right time to stop.
We will live in Romania only for the next month, until the youngest one finishes school, we will stay here, then we will go on vacation, and after that we will move to the Netherlands. And then we'll see what's next.”
The Dutchman commented on the tense situation that Real Madrid is going through, the team he played for between 2008 and 2010. He also talked about the arrival of Jose Mourinho, the technician who trained him for 6 weeks.
“The situation at Real Madrid is not good at the moment. I have no idea what's going on. Of course, when you're not inside the club, you don't know exactly. But in the end, I know how the club works. When you don't win, when you don't get the title… I was there for two years, without a title, and then they get upset. The fans are not happy with the players, and I think that's happening now. The relations between the players are not very good either.
Mourinho is said to be next year's manager. I hope so. I think he's the right man for it. I think it will stabilize the locker room. I only worked with him for six weeks, then they sold me to Tottenham, but I was very impressed. I admire him very much. He's honest, he's a good coach. You are a little intimidated by him, not scared, more like a father figure. When he says something, you listen.”
Van der Vaart: “I knew he would be a leader”
Rafael van der Vaart expressed his joy for the performances of Cristi Chivu on Inter's bench, his former colleague from Ajax Amsterdam.
“I am very happy for him. I knew he would be a leader. I played with him for many years at Ajax and even as a young man he was a leader. So congratulations to him because he had a great season. It was difficult at first, but when you stay calm and the players trust and would go through fire for you, anything is possible. I am very happy for him”, said the former great Dutch footballer.
Cristi Chivu and Rafael van der Vaart
Finally, he also spoke about the World Championship, a competition that he believes will be won by France. The Netherlands, the national team he represented, believe they will reach the semi-finals of the tournament in the United States of America, Canada and Mexico.
“I think France will win the World Cup. I think they are the strongest team. I think Holland will reach the semi-finals and otherwise I don't care”, concluded Rafael.
