Van der Vaart honoured by Juve interest - but no talks yet
Hamburg - SV Hamburg captain Rafael van der Vaart says he feels honoured by the interest of Juventus Turin but has not talked with the Italians yet, the Bild daily reported on Thursday.
"I feel honoured. It's nice when a big club like Juventus wants me. It gives me a good feeling," the Bild daily quoted him as saying.
The statement followed a Tuesday visit to Hamburg of Juve sports director Alessio Secco to officially announced his club's interest in the Dutchman van der Vaart.
Hamburg sports director Dietmar Beiersdorfer did not want to comment after a friendly match Wednesday night, while van der Vaart told Bild he has not yet talked to Juve officials.
Van der Vaart said last month he will not renew his Hamburg contract beyond 2010. He can leave in 2009 for 1.5 million euros (2.2 million dollars) but is expected to move on this summer because it would generate more money for the club.
Recent reports suggested that Juve could be offering up to 17 million euros for the midfielder, who has also been linked with English and Spanish clubs.
DPA
{literal}
Sport Photo Gallery
Top Stories
- Millions miss goals as TV signal disrupted
- Tamarine topples Zvonareva
- Superman Scored 1st Round Win in Thailand Open
- Boonsak Sails Through the Quater final of Thailand Open
- Spain end 44-year wait for a trophy in style
- Tamarine to play against Serbian Jankovic Monday
- Tamarine into Wimbledon last eight after beating Jankovic
Video
Tel 66-2-338-3000(Call Center), 66-2-338-3333, Fax 66-2-338-3334