Valdes pens farewell to Barcelona

Victor Valdes confirmed his departure from Barcelona yesterday in an open letter yesterday.

After spending 12 years with the La Liga giants, the Spanish international goalkeeper opted against renewing his contract and will seek to continue his career elsewhere.

In a letter published on Barcelona's website, Valdes thanked his colleagues, the coaches who had shaped his career and the club's fans while expressing his regret for not being able to do so on the pitch.

The 32-year-old shot-stopper's season was cut short in March after he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament during Barca's 3-0 win over Celta Vigo, requiring surgery and dashing his hopes of playing at the World Cup in Brazil next month.

While he thanked past Barcelona head coaches like Louis van Gaal, Frank Rijkaard, Pep Guardiola and the late Tito Vilanova for their hand in his development, Valdes had no words of thanks for present incumbent Tata Martino, whose future at the club is also under speculation.

Despite a difficult season, Barcelona could still win the Spanish league title if they beat first-placed Atletico Madrid in a winner-takes-all match at the Nou Camp on Saturday.

Source: FC Barcelona official website