When Rafael van der Vaart returned to Hamburg this past summer he received a homecoming fit for a King. Eager fans lined up at the airport to catch a glimpse of one of the club’s most successful players. Hamburg’s football darling was back for good.
His comeback coincided with the club’s 125th anniversary and what better gift than the return of a man who was viewed by many as an answer to the club’s failings.
The Dutch international, however, wasn’t interested in going along with the fairytale.
In September he told Bild, “I’m not a saviour. I know that many are expecting me to perform miracles, but I can’t walk on water. I’m here to play great football and to improve the quality of the team. HSV will be a top club again.”
The 29-year old knew better than to bask in the glory despite the idolizing, and he refused to compare himself to any of the current greats in football.
“I’m not Superman, Messi or Ronaldo. Nonetheless, I want to further help this team. I believe that there is a lot of potential here. I will settle in very well with this team.”
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