“An absolute pleasure to have watched him” – A lot of Tottenham Hotspur fans are thinking back to the time they had Rafael van der Vaart.
The Dutchman made his Spurs debut nine years ago today and spent two years at White Hart Lane.
In that time, he made 78 appearances scored 28 goals and provided 18 assists but his best moments were saved for the North London derbies.
First, he scored a penalty for Tottenham as they came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 on a famous day for Spurs and then, in the same season, he scored at home against the Gunners again.
These Tottenham fans are heaping praise on a hero of their club’s recent history.
See the best of the reaction below.
9️⃣ years ago today, @rafvdvaart made his @premierleague debut! 👊#THFC ⚪️ #COYS pic.twitter.com/K295WKam2Q
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) September 11, 2019
What a man. What a player ????????
— Trevor Lloyd (@Trevorlloyd92) September 11, 2019
This guy was probably the most clearly passionate and happy footballer I have watched at WHL an absolute pleasure to have watched him whilst he was here
— Gary Parker (@gp6970) September 11, 2019
I say it every year but @rafvdvaart is by far one of my favourite Spurs players of all time. Such passion and absolute world class. What a bloke! ????????????????????
— MF (@MVF86) September 11, 2019
one of my all time favourites, absolutely loved him ????
— Kevin Gower©️ (@KGower83) September 11, 2019
Many Spurs fans are remembering just how good van der Vaart was for them and for many it is getting emotional.
Broke my heart when he left.????
— bouf_daddy (@classy_jay) September 11, 2019
Sold too soon ????
— Andy Shaw (@pandsy) September 11, 2019
I miss him so ????
— Nathan (@TheHof182) September 11, 2019
Some other Tottenham supporters wished he had stayed in London for longer and are sad thinking about the time he left.