Rafael van der Vaart says he is ‘heartbroken’ over Hakim Ziyech’s decision to leave Ajax and join Chelsea and wishes the 26-year-old had moved to Tottenham to “soften his misery”.

The west London club announced on Thursday that they had agreed a £36.7million deal with Ajax to sign Ziyech in the summer, with the move still subject to personal terms being agreed.

Van der Vaart came through Ajax’s academy, making over 150 appearances, and is still a fan of the club, while he also played for Chelsea’s London rivals Tottenham later in his career.

The Dutch legend is devastated to see one of the club’s best players leave, and to Chelsea no less, though begrudgingly admits Frank Lampard could be the ideal coach to get the most out of Ziyech, report the Metro.

Reacting to the news of Ziyech’s move to Chelsea on Twitter, Van der Vaart wrote: “Wonderful player and great lad.

“With the right coach, Ziyech is a player who would contribute big time to many top teams in Europe.

“I believe Frank Lampard proved so far he understands creative players and understands entertaining yet effective football. ‘Therefore I do see a good match between player and club and coach.

“Still a bit heartbroken our MVP is leaving Ajax and Dutch football, to have seen him in a Spurs shirt would have softened my misery!”

Photo Credit: Twitter @AFCAjax