Rafael van der Vaart shares whether he preferred life at Spurs or Real Madrid as he drops honest Harry Redknapp verdict

Tottenham Hotspur delivered unforgettable moments throughout the 2010s under the guidance of managers like Harry Redknapp and Mauricio Pochettino.

Redknapp, who took charge in 2008, led Spurs through an exciting four-year spell at White Hart Lane, with thrilling Champions League nights that remain etched in the memories of fans.

One of his most inspired signings was Rafael van der Vaart, a player who quickly became a fan favorite and a cult hero. The Dutch midfielder has now opened up about his time at Tottenham, sharing his honest reflections on playing for the club and offering insight into his experience under Redknapp’s management.

Van der Vaart spent significant periods of his career at Ajax, Hamburg, Real Madrid, and Tottenham, but when asked to reflect on his best years, he singled out Spurs as the club where he enjoyed himself the most.

Speaking to talkSPORT, the former attacking midfielder explained that the combination of team quality, talent, and potential made his spell in North London particularly special. He highlighted the freedom he received on the pitch under Redknapp, emphasizing how much he enjoyed playing under a manager who trusted him completely.

He acknowledged that different phases of a career bring different experiences, but looking back at the talent in the squad during his time at Tottenham, he described it as “unbelievable.”

Redknapp’s tenure at Tottenham began in October 2008, with the club languishing at the bottom of the Premier League table. However, he quickly transformed their fortunes, guiding them to an eighth-place finish with 51 points by the end of the season.

That same campaign, Spurs made it to the League Cup final but fell short against Manchester United in a penalty shootout. The following season saw further improvement as Redknapp led Tottenham to a fourth-place finish, securing a chance to qualify for the Champions League.

Spurs successfully navigated the playoff round against Swiss side Young Boys, earning their place in the prestigious group stage of the 2010-11 Champions League.

Redknapp’s team performed admirably, progressing all the way to the quarter-finals before being eliminated by Real Madrid. Despite the European adventure, Tottenham finished fifth in the league that season, which secured them a spot in the Europa League.

The following year, they once again finished fourth, yet in a cruel twist of fate, they missed out on Champions League qualification because Chelsea, who finished fifth, won the 2011-12 tournament and claimed England’s final spot in the competition.

Ultimately, Redknapp’s tenure at Tottenham came to an end in June 2012. Reports from BBC Sport at the time suggested that his departure stemmed from a failure to reach an agreement on a new contract with club chairman Daniel Levy.

His time in charge may have ended abruptly, but his impact on the club was undeniable. Under his leadership, Tottenham not only became a regular top-four contender but also played an exciting, attacking brand of football that won them admirers across England and Europe.

Van der Vaart’s reflections on his time at the club highlight just how special that period was for both the players and the fans. Tottenham boasted a squad filled with talent, and their performances reflected that potential.

While Redknapp’s tenure ultimately ended without silverware, his legacy at the club remains strong. He transformed Tottenham into a side capable of competing with Europe’s elite and laid the foundation for the success that followed in the years to come.

Tottenham’s progress during those years under Redknapp remains a defining era in the club’s modern history. Players like Van der Vaart, Luka Modrić, and Gareth Bale thrived, helping Spurs play some of their most exciting football in decades.

While the team couldn’t quite take the final step towards winning major trophies, their performances set the stage for Tottenham’s continued evolution as a top-tier club in England. Looking back, it’s clear that Redknapp’s influence played a crucial role in shaping the club’s identity, and for Van der Vaart, those years remain the pinnacle of his playing career.