Barcelona leave door open for Valdes

Spain's number two behind Real Madrid's Iker Casillas has been at Barca since joining their academy in 1995 but the 31-year-old said two weeks ago he was keen to experience other leagues and cultures after his deal expires in June 2014.

"We have the doors open for him to come and talk to us if he has a rethink," Rosell said at a club event.

"We would like it if he decided he wanted to continue his experience at Barca."

Barca were worried that fans would turn on their goalkeeper after his decision but he was given a warm welcome in Sunday's 5-1 home league win over Osasuna.

"The Nou Camp gave their verdict and they said they wanted Valdes to stay," Rosell added.

Valdes will be watching from the dugout in Wednesday's King's Cup semi-final first leg against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu with reserve Jose Manuel Pinto always given the starting place in cup games.

Valdes has won three Champions League titles and five La Liga crowns as Barca's number one and is one of only two men to have won Spain's Zamora award for the fewest goals conceded in La Liga five times.

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1