Spain

Rafael van der Vaart Confident Of Earning Real Madrid Place

He may have been tipped to leave Los Merengues yet again, but the Dutch star is desperate to stay put...

26-Oct-2009 4:35:17 PM

Rafael Van der Vaart, Real Madrid (Getty Images)

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Rafael Van der Vaart, Real Madrid (Getty Images)

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Rafael van der Vaart has ignored reports linking him to Chelsea and has reiterated his desire to prove he has what it takes to be a success at Real Madrid.

The Dutchman was told that he could leave in the summer. However, he was given a reprieve when compatriots Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder departed instead. He is now being given a fresh chance.

After missing the opening games of the season, Van der Vaart believes that he can put the summer stress behind him and settle down at the Bernabeu.

"I wasn't fit [early in the campaign] and there was a lot going on in my head. I didn't do well in training," he told Madrid's official website.

"Now I am very happy and I want to prove I can be important. The coach has allowed me to play several minutes in the last few games.

"I have to take advantage of every chance I get to prove I can play here.

"I know it's hard, but I want to fight for Real Madrid and become important in the team."

Van der Vaart was criticised for some of his displays last term, but he accepts that it is part and parcel of the game. He wants to show the cynics they are wrong.

"I think it's normal for journalists to criticise us when we don't play well. Nevertheless, I don't believe a bad season proves a player isn't good for it," he added.

Lucas Brown, Goal.com

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