His technique and ability to embarrass Arsenal only endeared himself to the Spurs faithful.
The Dutchman, who played 63 times in the Premier League between 2010 and 2012, had a tendency to find the net in north London derbies, scoring five times in four matches against rivals Arsenal.
And it’s the 3-3 draw against Arsenal in April 2011 he considers to be one of his most memorable games during his time in north London.
In that match, Van der Vaart levelled for Spurs after Theo Walcott had fired the Gunners ahead in the fifth minute.