Victor Valdes confirmed on Friday that he wants to leave Spanish champions Barcelona this summer, despite being under contract until 2014.
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Valdes, 31, said "this is a decision that I have been turning over for several years now. I think my time here is finishing."
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He said that "the club and I are going to find a mutually beneficial solution," which has been interpreted as meaning he wants to leave as soon as possible.
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Barca are unlikely to insist that he sees out his contract, out of deference to his long years at the club.
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Valdes has been Barca's first-choice goalkeeper since 2003 and their most successful keeper ever, helping the Catalans to win three Champions Leagues and six Spanish Ligas.
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According to media reports, French Ligue 1 club AS Monaco are interested in signing Valdes, along with Atletico Madrid's Colombian striker Radamel Falcao.
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According to the media, Barca are considering Marc- Andre ter Stegen of Borussia Moenchengladbach and Pepe Reina of Liverpool as replacements for Valdes.
Victor Valdes has stayed long enough at Barcelona so its good he is leaving now. Lionel Messi should also think abt leaving once and for all
Victor Valdes has made up his mind already so there is nothing Barcelona can do about this. He was brave to make such a decision.
Victor Valdes had shown his intentions a long time ago so I don't want to think Barcelona fans are shocked about his decision.