One of the most famous Dutch footballers of the last decade, Rafael Van der Vaart, has decided to retire to a well-deserved rest.
The 35-year-old "Esbjerg" winger is recovering from an injury and no longer wants to try to regain good physical form in the future.
"I have to stop now. I came to Denmark to play football, not to go through rehabilitation. I am grateful for the years I spent on the field. I am happy to have met all those players, staff members, fans - from the "ArenA" to the "Bernabeu" stadiums. It was a great time," Van der Vaart said.
The Dutchman took his first professional steps at the age of 17, when he put on the jersey of Amsterdam's "Ajax." Later he played for "Hamburg," "Real," "Tottenham," "Betis," "Midtjylland," and "Esbjerg" clubs.
In his national team, he played in 109 matches.
