Valdes to leave Barcelona regardless of Rosell exit

The Spain international is not having second thoughts about his decision to leave the club, irrespective of the changed circumstances at the Camp Nou side

SPECIAL REPORT
By Pilar Suarez

Victor Valdes will leave Barcelona at the end of the season, ending speculation that he might stay at the club following the departure of club president Sandro Rosell last week.

The shot-stopper's allegedly troubled relationship with Rosell was believed to have played a big role in his decision to say farewell to the Blaugrana this summer, and the Liga champions were hopeful Valdes would stay now Josep Bartomeu has replaced the 49-year-old at the helm.

However, Rosell's exit does not have any influence on the goalkeeper's plans for the future as he remains keen to try his luck elsewhere come June when his contract expires.

The keeper has always maintained that the immense pressure at the Catalans and his desire to play abroad were the main reasons for his decision to leave the club rather than his supposedly poor relationship with Rosell.

The 32-year-old has yet to announce where he will continue his career - with Monaco reportedly sitting in pole position to secure the signature of Valdes - but a prolonged stay at the Camp Nou is out of the question for the Spain international.

Aside from Monaco, Valdes has also been linked with a host of Premier League sides in the past few months.

Valdes has been a key figure at Barcelona this season, keeping 10 clean sheets in 17 La Liga appearances so far to help the Blaugrana to the top of the table.

Barcelona have yet to sign a replacement for Valdes, but are widely believed to bring in Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen as their new No.1.