Recently departed goalkeeper Victor Valdes has refused to criticise Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal over his treatment of him during his time at the club, the Daily Mirror reports.
The Spanish international was left out of United’s pre-season tour of the United States after he allegedly refused to take part in an under-21 game, and was then left out of the squad for the rest of the season, failing to clock up a single minute of action.
Valdes was then forced to train by himself before being freed up to join Belgian outfit Standard Liege on a free transfer during the January window.
Van Gall gave a young Valdes his debut for Barcelona back in 2002, and though things didn’t work out between them this time around, Valdes has insisted that he remains thankful to the Dutchman for everything he has done for his career.
“I don’t have any problem with Louis van Gaal,” Valdes said.
“He discovered me when I was 20 years old. He was the only coach who, in that moment, said: ‘I want you in the first team.’
“And after my knee ligament injury, he was the first to approach me about playing for Manchester United.
“I am thankful to him and will never forget that. He gave me my first game after my injury.
“It’s very simple. I had two options: stay in Manchester but not play or go to Standard… to enjoy my football, the fans and, above all, to get back to feeling like a footballer and to be able to train every day.
“I went for the second option! I’m very happy.”
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