In Profile: Victor Valdes

In Victor Valdes, Manchester United have signed one of Europe's finest goalkeepers, a man who excelled throughout Barcelona’s most successful era.

Born in the Barcelona province, Valdes registered 535 appearances in a 12-season career at Camp Nou and lifted 21 major honours in the process, an impressive trophy haul that includes no fewer than three triumphs in the UEFA Champions League. Although he had little chance with Paul Scholes’ stunner in the competition’s 2008 semi-final, Valdes ultimately had the upper hand over United in the 2009 and 2011 finals.

In May 2013, Valdes announced his intention to leave Barcelona at the end of the following season and claimed he needed “different sources of motivation” from football. But any plans for a fairytale ending were denied when he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in his right knee during a routine 3-0 win over Celta Vigo in March 2014, and he subsequently left as a free agent two months later.

Before departing, Valdes paid an emotional tribute to a host of former colleagues, including a certain Dutch manager who was in charge at Camp Nou during the 2002/03 season. “Thank you to Louis van Gaal, for showing the courage necessary to gamble on a talent that only he could see. He began building this historic Barca side, which I have been privileged to be part of. My heartfelt thanks.”

Victor began this season without a club – despite reported interest from Monaco and Liverpool. To aid his recovery from the ACL injury, he began training with United from October at the invitation of van Gaal and has subsequently impressed enough to earn a contract at Old Trafford, where he will now work with his former goalkeeping coach Frans Hoek.

So what can United fans expect from Valdes? When previously discussing his style of goalkeeping, the Spaniard highlighted the importance of footwork. "Guardiola always told me that I should participate in the team’s play, he helped me interpret football. There were times that I played like a libero under him. I’ve always taken risks, it makes me the goalkeeper I am. You need to be able to participate in passing moves like an outfield player, and knock long balls up field when called for.”

Valdes is of course an international colleague of United no.1 David De Gea, as well as Juan Mata. He was also part of Spain's historic triumphs at the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championship, where he provided back-up to long-term no.1 Iker Casillas. “He is an excellent person, a great lad with impeccable behaviour,” said national-team coach Vicente Del Bosque. Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas - a colleague of Victor's for country and club - declared: "He's an example on the pitch and an exemplary team-mate."

Here's to the charismatic goalkeeper earning more plaudits like this - not to mention some medals to add to his already vast collection - during the time he will spend at the Theatre of Dreams.