Valdes says farewell to Barca after 'cruel' year

Keeper thanks late Tito Vilanova for his contribution in letter

BARCELONA: Injured Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes said goodbye to his club and fans on Wednesday, bemoaning a ‘cruel’ year.

But he still found time to offer his thanks to key figures in his career, including Pep Guardiola and the late Tito Vilanova, while making no mention of under-pressure coach Gerardo Martino.

Valdes, who was sidelined for seven months after surgery for a knee injury in March and had already announced plans to leave at the end of the season, wrote an open farewell letter sealing his departure.

"Unfortunately, I could not say goodbye playing football as I would have liked," said Valdes.

"But that is life sometimes and this year has been cruel for me in that sense.”

Valdes thanked former Barcelona coach Guardiola, now with Bayern Munich, who led Barcelona to unparalleled success from 2008-2012.

"Thanks Pep for having opened the door for me to play a game that I did not know, for being my guide on the journey one must take to seek success, which we found together."

Valdes had a special word for the late Vilanova, who died on April 25 after a long battle with cancer.

"Thank you Tito! Wherever you are, I thank you for teaching us not only the way to win as a team but also the strength and character to confront life.”