Tottenham new boy Rafael van der Vaart has declared he is ready to show the quality to rubbish reports he is a Real Madrid failure.
Spurs pulled off the shock signing of the Netherlands international at the end of the summer transfer window. After falling behind Kaka, Sergio Canales and Mesut O ezil in the Madrid pecking order, some quarters have viewed the switch as a sign of defeat.
Speaking to to www.talksport.co.uk, Van der Vaart stated he was ready to prove his worth in the Premier League.
He said: "I have not been a failure at Real Madrid "
"I have always given my best over the last few years for both club and country. Now I have arrived at Tottenham and I want to show my quality "
"A number of clubs have been interested in me, but I always wanted to consider the best option at the last moment "
"When I saw that I would not be playing, I knew I had to leave "
"The Premier League is one of the best leagues in the world. I can only say if I have been worth the money at the end of the season "
The 27-year-old added: "I don't think I am going to have any problems adapting in England to the style of play and the country I am living in.
"The fact that Tottenham were playing in the Champions League influenced my decision a great deal. I have to earn my place in the team."
"Tottenham have a number of sensational players and I know it is not going to be easy, but that is the challenge I am looking forward to."