Van der Vaart voted 'European Talent of the Year'

11 June: After having won the trophy for 'Talent of the Year' at Ajax, 18 year-old midfielder Rafaël van der Vaart was voted 'European Talent of the Year' by leading Italian football website, CalcioManager.it.

It is the first time the Italian soccersite grants this title to a European football talent, but the site is determined to make it an annual and prestigious event, which is underlined by the fact that there's an official festive evening at which the prize will be presented: on 20 June, in Milan.

Van der Vaart, however, is unable to collect his trophy in person, since he is currently playing with the Holland U19 team at the World Cup Tournament in Argentina. The Heemskerk resident has recorded a speech which will be shown to the guests at the gala-night in Milan. Ajax' team manager, David Endt, will accept the prize, in default of Van der Vaart.

Source: Ajax.nl