No way is too far for love!
The former HSV captain Rafael van der Vaart (39) says the same thing and will move from the tranquil port city of Esbjerg (Denmark) to the two million city of Bucharest (Romania) in the summer.
The reason for the 2000 kilometer move is girlfriend Estavana Polman (30). The ex-Dutch national player (109 appearances) has been with the world-class handball player for over six years and has a daughter with her (Jesslynn/5). Polman has just joined Rapid Bucharest from her club Nykoebing Falster. A special clause in the contract made the lightning change possible.
Main reason: The 158-time national player really wanted to play for a Champions League team. Polman happy: “It’s a new adventure on the big stage”.
When the Liga Nationala ends its season at the end of May, van der Vaart will set camp in the far north and move to Bucharest with Jesslynn and live there.
Rafael becomes Romanian!
“In the beginning, Estavana will still be staying at the hotel. But from summer we will all be in Romania and reunited. I look forward to the time when we live together again as a family.”
Van der Vaart will then certainly give up his job as assistant coach at third division club Esbjerg fB. The vice world champion from 2010 then flies from Romania to Amsterdam for his expert and commentator jobs on Dutch TV.
And what about Rafael’s son, who is currently playing for Esbjerg’s youth team? Damian (16) is said to be on the list of some Dutch first division clubs. The SC Heerenveen youth academy is currently said to be ahead of the game when it comes to courting little van der Vaart. But in contrast to Dad’s move to Bucharest, no decision has yet been made here…