Rafael determined to be Van the man at Real Madrid - Sport - Evening Standard
       

Rafael determined to be Van the man at Real Madrid

New Real Madrid signing Rafael van der Vaart has vowed to fight for his place in the Spanish champions' team after completing his switch from Hamburg.  

The Holland international arrived in Madrid to undergo a medical and sign his five-year contract at the Bernabeu today (Tuesday).  

He will join a contingent of four other Dutchmen in the Madrid squad, and will vie for a place alongside the likes of Brazil international Robinho and home-grown stars Guti and Raul.  

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Focused: Van Der Vaart knows he faces a battle at the Bernabeu

Focused: Van Der Vaart knows he faces a battle at the Bernabeu

And the 25-year-old insists he is prepared for the competition for places in the side.  

'I will fight for a place in the team, but Madrid has many stars and if I end up on the bench that won't be a problem,' he told Spanish newspaper Marca. 

'Madrid has one objective this season: to win the Champions League. I can help them. The important thing is to play.'  

As well as being prepared to fight for a place with those stars already present, Van der Vaart claims he would also welcome Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo to the club should his transfer go through.  

'It would be good if Ronaldo came,' he said.

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