Middlesbrough’s Victor Valdes says Louis van Gaal is still like a ‘father’… even though he nearly made him retire
Spanish keeper loving life at Boro but admits he almost quit the game after fall-out at Manchester United
MIDDLESBROUGH'S Victor Valdes says he still looks at Louis van Gaal as a “father figure”… even through his fall-out with the ex-Manchester United boss which left him on the verge of retiring.
The World Cup and multiple-Champions League winning goalkeeper was made to train on his own at the Red Devils after a public bust-up with the then United boss.
Van Gaal, who gave Valdes his chance as youngster at Barcelona, completely froze him out of the first-team picture and ended up joining Standard Liege on loan.
This summer the 34-year-old to Middlesbrough and made his debut for his new side in the 1-1 opening day draw with Stoke.
And the Spanish shotstopper is feeling like a new man at his new club.
Valdes explained: “I feel like a professional footballer again after all those hard days in Manchester.
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Sunday’s clash away to Boro’s local rivals Sunderland, Valdes added: “I don’t have any bad words for Van Gaal or Manchester United.
"They helped me through my injury and the manager gave me my chance as a footballer at Barcelona and then again at United.