The Dutch keeper dropped the World Cup winner whilst at Manchester United
Victor Valdes at Manchester United
Middlesbrough goalkeeper has refused to criticise former boss Louis van Gaal, telling Sky Sports that he does not have a bad word to say about his former boss.
Van Gaal unceremoniously placed Valdes on the transfer list at Old Trafford last summer after claiming the former Barca stopper had refused to take part in a reserve team fixture.
From that point onwards, Valdes was frozen out from the first team set-up, training often on his own at Carrington whilst he looked for a new club.
Manchester United’s Victor Valdes
He eventually joined Standard Liege on loan for the latter half of last season, before signing for newly promoted Middlesbrough on a two year deal earlier this summer.
But the World Cup winner has refused to criticise his former boss and club, despite his tough treatment.
“I don’t have any bad words for Van Gaal or Manchester United. They helped me through my injury and the manager gave me my chance as a footballer at Barcelona and then again at United.
“He’s like a father figure to me. I don’t want to remember the last six months in a bad way – for me he is in the top. We are still friends and there is no problem between us.”
Victor Valdes whilst at Barcelona
Valdes cited the Red Devils’ support as he recovered from a serious knee injury sustained at Barcelona during the final year of his contract.
The injury, which he suffered against Celta de Vigo in March 2014, ended his Catalan career whilst ruling him out of the World Cup.
Victor Valdes now plays for Middlesbrough
And after being released by Barca, it as United who stepped in to offer him the chance to complete his rehabilitation.
He then signed an 18 month deal with the Red Devils in January 2015.
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