Victor Valdes has reflected on his personal duel at international level with Iker Casillas, paying tribute to the Real Madrid goalkeeper.
The duo have been training this week in contention for a starting berth in Spain’s World Cup qualifier in Finland on Friday night.
Whilst the media believe that Valdes will get the nod, as debate continues over Casillas’ struggles at club level to find game-time, the 31-year-old has paid tribute to his international colleague.
“I do not know if I will play,” began Valdes in reflection to Cuatro, in an interview released today.
“The Coach gives the line-up on the day. My thoughts are on training to my best and helping the team.
“And if I participate, then I will do my best. Whenever I face games, it is in the same way. It makes no difference.
“I am privileged to be in the national team. I have come across a very competitive generation of goalkeepers and Iker is the best.
“And the beneficiary is the national team. Iker and I do not talk about who plays. He works with enthusiasm and is fit. I hope that things are better for him than they are at the moment and that he can play. We talk about personal things. It would not be a blow to not play. As sportsmen we fight to help the team.
“Finland may seem easy, but they defend well, they are good in supporting each other on counter-attacks and have strong strikers.”
Valdes has started the season in strong form, in what will be his last year with Barcelona.
“I am in a good moment both personally and sportingly. Also physically. But let’s see how the season goes.
“My future? I am still a Barcelona player. I do not know where I will play next year, but I want to win it all with Barca.”
