“I’d probably run a weed shed” - Ex-Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart provides hilarious response when asked about alternate career
Former Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart gave a hilarious response when asked about a possible alternate career. The Dutchman had a respectable career as a footballer and hung up his boots in 2018.
Van der Vaart rose through the ranks at Ajax before making his first-team bow for the club in 2000. He spent five seasons at the Johan Cruyff Arena, before moving to Bundesliga side Hamburg in 2005.
He was impressive in his third season in Germany, registering 21 goals in 44 games, prompting Real Madrid to sign him in 2008. However, his time at the Santiago Bernabeu wasn't fruitful, with the Dutchman managing just 12 goals from 73 games in two seasons.
He eventually left Los Blancos in 2010, joining Tottenham Hotspur, where he spent three seasons. After a second stint with Hamburg and brief stays with Real Betis and Midtjylland, Van der Vaart joined Esbjerg in August 2018. He retired three months later.
Recently speaking on a Ziggo Sport show (via FootballJOE), the Dutchman gave a tongue-in-cheek response when asked what would have been his preferred "normal job."
"Well, I grew up in a trailer park.. so I'd probably run a weed shed," said Van der Vaart.
Rafael van der Vaart's words left his former teammate Wesley Sneijder in stitches.
Will Real Madrid sign a new midfielder in 2025?
Real Madrid bid adieu to Toni Kroos this summer, with the German midfielder opting to hang up his boots. Kroos left Los Blancos as a club legend, registering 28 goals and 99 assists from 465 games across competitions.
The 34-year-old named Federico Valverde as the heir to his fabled No. 8 jersey at the Santiago Bernabeu. However, the Uruguayan has failed to fill the void left behind by Kroos in the midfield. Real Madrid have struggled to control games this season in their midfield maestro's absence.
The likes of Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga have failed to live up to the task so far. Carlo Ancelotti's team are already nine points behind Barcelona in the LaLiga title race and have lost their last two home games across competitions.
The Catalans humiliated Los Blancos in their backyard in the El Clasico last month. AC Milan also dominated them in the Champions League game in midweek, winning 3-1. With Luka Modric's future also uncertain, Real Madrid could be tempted to invest in the midfield in 2025.