Van der Vaart distances himself from ´saviour´ claims

Hamburg midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has said that his return to the Bundesliga club should not be perceived as special.

The Netherlands international returned to the club after two seasons in London with Tottenham, in a 13-million-euro deal earlier this off-season.

After spending three years with Rothosen between 2005 and 2008, some supporters have labelled the 29-year-old as the returning ‘prodigal son’, a tag he is keen to shake off.

“I am not a saviour. I know that people expect many miracles from me, but I cannot make water run,” van der Vaart told Bild am Sonntag.

“(I have come) to play good football and to improve the quality of the team. Dortmund has led the way. They were away from the top four years (ago), and now? (They are) twice champions.

“It is very possible that Hamburg will be my last stop (before retirement). Unless someone at the club tells me: “I’m sorry, Rafa. That’s enough for you.”

Hamburg currently sit in 16th place in the Bundesliga, having lost both of their opening two games.