The Spanish goalkeeper has said goodbye to Barcelona and all the fans with an open letter.
Valdes started his career on the Barca B team in 2000 and made the first team in 2002, spending the following 12 years as the Catalans’ number 1 and making over 500 appearances for the team.
During the 12 years as Barca’s goalie, Valdes won 21 major titles. These include 6 La Liga and 3 UEFA Champions League.
Valdes will be missed by both fans and teammates
We'll miss you both so so so much! RT @semprebarcaa Eternal photo. Te amo Puyi, Te amo Valdes. pic.twitter.com/s35FrmQNTx
— Diana Kristinne (@DianaKristinne) May 15, 2014
Letter from @1victorvaldes The keeper says farewell with an open letter to the fans http://t.co/JdhXvuQIEm pic.twitter.com/1mSlLFHzy2
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 14, 2014
"Will I cry when Valdes leaves? Yeah, no doubt. I tear up easily." - Andres Iniesta pic.twitter.com/uRstaJJt2V
— PuyoLexista. J♥ (@AddictedToBarca) May 14, 2014
Xavi on Valdes:"The best goalkeeper in Barça history, people don’t know him enough, we are really missing him now. We wish him all the best.
— LMessi10 (@SocialBarca_10) May 15, 2014
The Spanish keeper also clinched a number of individual honors, like the Zamora trophy, which he won a record 5 times. The Zamora trophy is awarded to the goalkeeper who has the lowest "goals-to-games" ratio.
The Spanish keeper accepting yet another Zamora trophy
Valdes celebrating Barca's treble back in 2009
After 12 years of successes however, the Spanish goalie decided to thank everyone and look for new challenges. He stated:
“Thank you Tito! Wherever you are, I thank you for having taught us not only the way to keep winning as a team, but also the strength and character needed to face life.”
Barca's goalie in 1 of his 20 appearances for Spain's national team
“And of course I cannot forget the most important people, over these twelve years as a professional, wearing this shirt, my most loyal fans.”
Valdes was also and often the protagonist of awful mistakes, like his awful ball control in a one-on-one situation with Di Maria which eventually cost Barca the 2012 Spanish Super Cup.
