Many football players claim that they have been mistreated by their respective clubs and managers but the claims are not always true. But in the case of former Barcelona number one Victor Valdes, such claims do seem to be appropriate. Valdes joined the Red Devils when his career at Barcelona was practically over and no other club was prepared to take him. He had also suffered an injury which kept him out of the United squad after joining them.
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In a recent interview, the Spaniard has claimed that he was such a lonely figure at Manchester United, he felt that the Club wouldn’t even notice if he had dropped down unconscious or had swallowed his tongue.
His relationship with Louis van Gaal took a downward turn when the goalkeeper refused to play for United’s under 21 side. Van Gaal, who has been known to hold grudges, cut off Vialdes’ involvements with the first team.
During last summer’s preseason training Victor returned to the team only to find out that his locker in the dressing room had been cleared out. Since then, he had no contact with the first team and was only allowed to practise with Alan Fettis, the facilities manager. His practise sessions were coordinated in such a way that he couldn’t come in contact with the regular first team players.
During one such training session, the Spaniard asked Fettis, “What if I were to hit the post and were to lose consciousness, and if I swallowed my tongue? I feel very alone.”
Victor’s sufferings at Manchester United came to an end a couple of weeks ago when he joined Standard Liège on loan until the end of the season. Although he was ostracised by Van Gaal, Valdes still insists that he carries no grudge against his former coach. He is quick to admit that the Dutchman was the man behind whatever he has achieved till date as he gave him a chance to play for the first team when he was coaching Barcelona.
The Spaniard admitted in an interview, “He gave me the chance to debut at Barça, he picked me up when I didn’t have a side and he gave me the chance to recover from my knee injury. I’ll always be thankful. Deep down, if it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be here.”
It would be great to see the former Barcelona goalkeeper getting back on track at his new club. Only time will tell if Victor Valdes can ever emulate the success he had at Barcelona, where he won multiple trophies including the coveted Champions League.
