Tottenham set to buy not sell this summer
Rafael van der Vaart has reassured any Tottenham supporters that perhaps feared that his opinion of Europe's B competition was similar to that of compatriot Arjen "even winning the Europa League would not mean anything for me" Robben that he is fully prepared for the challenges ahead.
There had been speculation that the Dutch international, who joined Spurs from Real Madrid last summer, would look for Champions League football at the end of the season, but instead he appears to be motivated by the challenge of returning the Lilywhites to the top four of the Premier League.
He said: "We always want to play in Europe. It is good to have the experience from the Europa League and it would be a nice title to win. I like to be playing every two or three days.
"Of course I want to be playing in the Champions League. But I have only been here one year. I have enjoyed my year and we will see what next season will bring.
"It's really important to be in Europe. You saw this season that being in the Champions League has helped us. It is so important for players and that's why we want to win our final game against Birmingham."
The comments of the attacking midfielder, who has been his side's top scorer in his debut campaign at White Hart Lane, will go some way to calming fears that Spurs were more likely to sell than buy following failure to finish fourth.
Boss Harry Redknapp has spoken of the importance of strengthening during the window and has pointed to the example of Luis Suarez at Liverpool as proof that it only takes one of two top quality additions to significantly impact on a club's fortunes.
Will Spurs secure their Europa League spot? They are [1.27] to stay fifth...
Published: 17 May 2011
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