Rafael van der Vaart has confirmed his retirement from professional football following an illustrious career with the likes of Ajax, Hamburg, Real Madrid and Tottenham.
The 35-year-old Dutchman has been on the books at Danish club Esbjerg fB since August, but has made just three appearances since his arrival, and is unwilling to waste his year-long contract in rehabilitation if he is unable to contribute to side following a recent training-ground injury.
He told De Telegraaf : "I just have to stop now. I am not here to rehabilitate, but to play football.