Zubizarreta defends Valdes decision

Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta says the club respects Victor Valdes’ decision not to renew his contract.

The goalkeeper, whose current deal runs until 2014, revealed on Thursday he will not entertain talks over a new agreement.

Zubizarreta explained that Barca officials did not have a chance to offer their shot-stopper improved terms, and has urged fans to support the 31-year-old’s decision to leave Camp Nou.

“We were holding the first meeting to initiate the process for renewing Victor’s contract. The meeting began with us expressing the club’s desire to extend his contract, because we consider him to be a top class goalkeeper,” he told Barca TV.

“But before we could make any proposal or discuss anything, his agent said the decision was already made and meditated, and that he will not be staying any later than June 30, 2014. It is an irrevocable decision.

“We must respect the professional decision of a player who has spent 12 years in this home.

“With that in mind, we are asking you to continue supporting him and to encourage him as much as you have done throughout his career. He is committed to this jersey until June 30, 2014 and will defend the goal with everything he has and knows.

“Meanwhile, we shall work together to see what the next steps should be, along with him and his agent, to work together to deal with this situation that arose yesterday (Thursday).”