Van der Vaart contract improved and extended to 2006

22 April: Rafaël van der Vaart has signed an improved, long-term contract with Ajax. Manchester United and Real Madrid scouts were watching the 18 year-old mifdfielder during Ajax' recent away game at FC Groningen, but Van der Vaart now agreed to be an Ajacied until July, 2006.

"I want to stay with Ajax and I don't want to go abroad", Van der Vaart said, "There's still a lot of things I can learn here, and I have faith in this team and the future." Van der Vaart's new contract can be seen as a second success for Ajax in its attempts to keep the most talented players of the new breed in Amsterdam. On 13 March, Cristian Chivu signed an improved contract until 2006 as well.

Rafael van der Vaart made his debut as a 17 year-old, just over a year ago, in last season's away game at FC Den Bosch (19 April). This season he took off for a meteoric career, as coach Co Adriaanse left Richard Witschge out of the team and chose for Van der Vaart on left midfield. His age allows Van der Vaart to play for the Holland U21, U19 and U18 teams, which he regularly does.

Ajax treasurer, Arie van Os' comment on the new contract: "If Van der Vaart lives up to the expectations, Ajax will do the same for him." (MP)

(Source: Ajax.nl)