BERLIN, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- Dutch international and former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rafael van der Vaart headed back to Hamburger SV to sign a three-year deal, the club said at the official press conference at Imtech Arena on Friday.
Just before the deadline of the transfer period, and after four years of absence, Hamburg fan favourite Rafael van der Vaart returned to his former club where he already played between 2005 and 2008. At his three years with the "Rothosen", he netted 29 goals in 74 appearances to become a key player as an attacking midfielder.
"Rafael is a top player. He is fit and has a huge experience. He can handle the pressure and will help on the youngsters in our team," Hamburg sporting director Frank Arnesen said.
Hamburger SV staged a disappointing start into the season 2012/2013 following the surprising elimination at first round of the DFB Pokal (German Cup) against third division team Karlsruher SC and the loss against Nuremberg at the first match day.
"With the transfer to Hamburg a dream came true. Here I had the best time of my career. I'm not Superman but I think we have the potential in the team to return on top of the standings. If the confidence returns a lot is possible," new arrival van der Vaart said.
In his two years at Tottenham Hotspur, he made 63 appearances to score 24 goals. Since 2001 is also part of the Dutch international squad, the Elftal, where he marked 19 goals in 100 caps.
His new side Hamburg SV encounters rival Werder Bremen at the Northern derby at the second match day of Bundesliga.
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