Van der Vaart: Real Madrid wanted me to stay

Rafael van der Vaart is happy to be staying at Real Madrid.

After rowing publicly with Real management over the summer, Van der Vaart says he's been assured he is part of their plans for the new season.

The Dutchman was ready to join Everton yesterday before getting the call from Real GM Jorge Valdano and said: "The club has assured me that they believe in my quality."

"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."