Thoughts on Victor Valdes' Decision Not to Renew His Contract with Barcelona

When news first broke that Victor Valdes was not going to renew his contract with Barcelona (via Goal), it was a shock.

The Catalan keeper has guarded the Blaugrana goal for over a decade. The thought of him wanting to leave his boyhood club, which has experienced so much success, is strange, to say the least.

It is clear that Valdes is still happy at the club. Manager Tito Vilanova made it clear that Valdes was not looking for a way out but was merely ready to experience new things (via Goal).

Looking at this for the first time, it is very easy for Cules to get upset and feel as though Valdes is turning his back on the club.

But we must all remember that, as much of a business that football is, these are still real people with real lives.

If Valdes wants to experience new things, then Cules must support that.

When his contract ends next summer, the keeper will walk away as one of the most successful at his position in Barcelona history. That must be his legacy.

The Barcelona staff has made it clear that it will hold onto Valdes until the very last day of his contract. The keeper is committed to the club until that date (via FCBarcelona.com).

This must be the focal point for Cules.

Victor Valdes is committed until next summer and ready to give his best until he walks away. We must embrace this.

Barcelona is not in the business of making money off of players. Allowing Valdes to stay until his contract is over is a much better way to handle this than to sell him for a quick profit. Some Cules may not like this approach, but it is how Barcelona should handle it.

The keeper is the very best there is in the Barcelona system, and having him for one more season would be huge. In that time, Vilanova will have no problem finding a replacement, as he has over a year to do so.

In closing, we Cules must first support Valdes’ decision. Though it is hard to swallow the fact that Barcelona is losing a La Masia great, it will happen. Until then, Valdes must be supported so that he can walk away with great applause.

Victor Valdes, thank you for all you have done for Barcelona. Even after you have gone, you will still be Blaugrana to the Barcelona faithful. 

What do you think about the situation with Victor Valdes? Should he be allowed to stay, or should he be sold? Don't forget to leave your thoughts and comments below.

Tre' Atkinson, The Catalan Blood of Bleacher Report. Follow @TreAtkinson

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