Iniesta urges Valdes appreciation

Andres Iniesta has encouraged Barcelona’s supporters to recognise Victor Valdes’ contribution in recent seasons.

The goalkeeper could be set for a mixed reception at the Camp Nou after confirming last week his intention to not renew his contract at the club past its June 2014 expiry.

For Iniesta, though, Valdes deserves only appreciation.

“I’d like to analyse the situation in a natural way. He began here 10 years ago and came up through the youth ranks at Barca,” reflected the midfielder in his Press conference this week.

“He has worked hard to become an unquestionable starter. He has gone through difficult times and has overcome them. He has won five Zamora Trophies.

“I don’t think Barca’s titles can’t be understood without him… It is harder to say no to this team but that was his personal decision that he’s been considering for some time.

“He is one of the most important players the club will ever have in its history. When a player as good as Valdes, who has performed so well at this club, the only thing you can do is keep applauding and supporting him.

“We will keep enjoying his presence from here until the end and he can keep enjoying being part of a team with the sole objective of winning as many titles as possible. It would be a mistake to throw stones at ourselves.”

Iniesta then turned his attention to last weekend’s surprise defeat at Real Sociedad.

“The only thing we can do is analyse the situation and turn it around. We are all on alert and when we say that things are difficult that’s a fact not a cliché. That’s the reality of football.”

Barcelona are preparing for Thursday’s Cup quarter-final second leg away to Malaga.

“We have no intention of being knocked out. We’ll train to ensure we go there is the best possible condition. We have to feel confident that we can win a place in the next round.”

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