Premier League is 'attractive', admits Valdes

Posted Sunday, March 23, 2014 by YAHOO Sport

Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes freely admits that he finds the Premier League "attractive" but insists that does not mean he is bound for England.

The Spain international has already confirmed that he will leave Camp Nou when his contract expires at the end of the season and he has been linked with a number of top European clubs, including Liverpool.

Valdes has confessed that he is an admirer of English football but is still refusing to confirm where will be plying his trade next season.

"The Premier League is very attractive," the 31-year-old shot-stopper told reporters. "I have followed it for years.

"But don't get me wrong, that's because I like to analyze potential rivals in European competition!"

While Valdes' next move remains a mystery, it is expected that Barca will replace the Catalan with Borussia Monchengladbach's Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who is just 21.

"He's a goalkeeper who has already shown at a young age that he has a winning mentality," Valdes enthused.

"I also like his physical agility. He's very complete and from the German school of goalkeeping, which I've always admired.

"I wish him a great future."

Valdes is also hoping that Barca boss Tata Martino enjoys a long and successful spell at Camp Nou.

The Argentine coach has endured a mixed debut season in Catalunya but Valdes is in no doubt that Martino is the right man for the job.

"It would be wise to allow Tata to continue for not only the duration of his contract but also many more years," he stated.

"We are working well in every aspect during the week. I really identify well with his training methods.

"I don't think the Barca dressing room is in need of a leader. Whenever there has been a problem, we have solved it as a group - and it will always be that way."