Van der Vaart has no retirement plans

Dutch veteran playmaker Rafael van der Vaart has no retirement plans after a disappointing season at Spain's Real Betis and rather fancies a return to Ajax Amsterdam where he started his career 16 years ago.

Van der Vaart, 33, played at Ajax between 2000 and 2005 before moving to SV Hamburg for the first of two terms, with Real Madrid and Tottenham his other clubs.

He left Hamburg a second time last year, for Betis on a contract until 2018, but rarely played in the past season and is now pondering his future.

"Real Betis is still a nice club but I must see what is the best for me," he told the Voetbal International magazine in a report of which excerpts were published Wednesday on their website.

Ajax were interested in Van der Vaart last year, and he admitted "I have no idea" whether they still want him although "it would be very nice".

Van der Vaart, who also voiced disappointment he can't play at Euro 2016 because the Dutch did not qualify, added he has no plans to retire.

"I would even play at a club in the second division as long as I can continue playing football," he said.

"My career is definitely not over. I am top fit and a lot of passion.

"I will continue as long as it is possible."