Spain goalkeeper had been expected to depart the club this summer.
Experienced Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes has confirmed that he now intends to stay with the Liga champions until the end of his contract next year, reports Goal.com.
The coveted Spain international stunned the world of football, and Barca’s fans, by announcing earlier this year that he would not be extending his current deal at the Camp Nou.
The 31-year-old has a contract with the Spanish giants that only runs until June 30 2014 and despite being offered a new bumper long-term deal to finish his career in Catalonia, Valdes refused the club’s offer, saying that he wanted to instead try a new challenge abroad in his career.
Valdes has so far made 361 league appearances for Barcelona since making his debut for the club in 2002, while in total the shot stopper has appeared in 501 games in all competitions for the Spaniards.
And now the goalkeeper has confirmed that he wishes to still play for Barca for one more season until his contract runs out, saying in a press conference on Friday: “I owe the fans an explanation as to why I will not renew my contract. Barcelona have given me everything and this has been home for 20 years.
“The pressure as a goalkeeper is huge, though, at this club. I am exhausted psychologically and I feel that my cycle at the club ends in 2014. This is not about money.
“I feel honoured that the club want me to continue, but my decision is final. I will continue to wear the Barca jersey with honour until the final day of my contract.
“I want to stay until 2014, but I am open to discuss things with the club. I think that the club have enough time to find a good successor.”
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