Van der Vaart reveals that a siesta nearly halted his Tottenham move Premier League - Tottenham On deadline day in 2010

Tottenham signed Rafael van der Vaart from Real Madrid in 2010, but the transfer nearly didn't happen because the Dutchman was asleep.

Having been told by Jose Mourinho that he would have limited playing time due to the signing of Mesut Ozil, the midfielder was considering his options and was told by his agent on deadline day about the possibility of joining Spurs.

"He said that I had to decide within two hours," the player revealed in an interview with Four Four Two.

"I started to evaluate everything, then took a little nap...

"Suddenly I was jolted awake by the phone going off.

"My lawyer was on the phone again, telling me that I had to decide there and then.

"I thought for a split second, then said, 'yeah, let's do it'.

"It was pure intuition."

He went on to explain that the move was a good idea and that he was glad he took the risk.

"Very soon I realised how happy I was with the decision," Van der Vaart said,

"From the first moment I arrived at Spurs Lodge, I felt at home."

The Dutchman stayed in London for two seasons, before moving to Hamburg.