VICTOR VALDES HAS announced that he intends to honour his Barcelona contract and remain at Camp Nou until 2014.
The 30-year-old said in April that he would not look to extend his deal with the Spanish champions, sparking rumours that the club would look to cash in on him ahead of next season. Premier League duo Arsenal and Liverpool, both expected to be in the market for a goalkeeper, were initially linked with a move for Valdes.
Cash-rich Monaco were also thought to be keen to add him to their ever-expanding list of stellar names following their promotion to Ligue 1, but all interested parties will now have to wait a year before entertaining thoughts of signing the keeper. Valdes did confirm that playing for the Catalan giants has worn him out mentally and that he will pursue a challenge in a new league for the 2014-15 campaign.
He said: “Psychologically I’m exhausted. I feel that my cycle at the club ends in 2014. That’s what I told the club. It is not a money issue. It’s an honour the club wants me to continue, but the decision is final. I think the club has enough time to look for a successor.
“I will wear and defend this shirt and this crest with honour until the last day, as I have done since the first day. I see myself playing in other leagues, looking for another motivation.”
