Real Madrid know I have quality: Van Der Vaart

Madrid: Rafael van der Vaart has been buoyed by Real Madrid`s assurances that their desire to sell him was never about his ability and only about squad numbers.

The Dutchman has revealed that he was told by Los Merengues` hierarchy that they had to reduce their numbers as only 25 players can be named for the league campaign. While several clubs made offers for Van der Vaart, he decided to put the pressure on Madrid by rejecting everything that was put to him and stating that he wanted to stay. After a string of players were sold in the meantime, the former Ajax and Hamburg star has now been told he is part of Manuel Pellegrini`s plans and that his quality was never in doubt. "The club has assured me that they believe in my quality," he was quoted as saying. "Real Madrid has never said it was a quality problem, but rather the new players. They appreciated my desire to play and they told me they need me.” "I can play an important role in this team." Goal.com