Rafael van der Vaart has claimed on Twitter that he is “heartbroken” over Hakim Ziyech’s move to Chelsea and claims only one thing would have “softened” the misery: Him joining Tottenham Hotspur.Ziyech’s move to Stamford Bridge was confirmed on Thursday, with the Blues set to pay €40m (£33.3m) for his signature, which could rise to €44m (£36.6m).

Money talks: How much did Levy pay for each of these Spurs stars?

Van der Vaart actually told Spurs to buy the Morocco international in October.

Per Voetbal Primeur, via Sky Sports, he said: "I really hope he goes to Tottenham Hotspur, I sent a message today to [Daniel] Levy, I said: Get Ziyech after this season."

Instead, he is set to move to west London, with Chelsea beating off competition from both Spurs and Manchester United.

And van der Vaart, who played for both Ajax and Spurs, says that he is devastated at the prospect of the playmaker linking up with Frank Lampard’s side.

Ziyech has been in exceptional form during his time at Ajax.

In total, he has made 160 appearances for the club, scoring 48 goals and registering 82 assists.

This season, he has scored eight times, while providing a staggering 21 assists.

Ziyech will link up with Chelsea at the end of the season; it remains to be seen if he will be able to replicate those numbers at Stamford Bridge next season.

Meanwhile, Spurs have missed out on an absolute baller!