Victor Valdes latest: Iker Casillas blasts 'ungrateful' Manchester United over treatment of goalkeeper

Valdes has been frozen out at Old Trafford by Louis van Gaal

Simon Rice
Tuesday 08 September 2015 09:18 BST
Comments
Manchester United goalkeeper Victor Valdes
Manchester United goalkeeper Victor Valdes (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The treatment of Victor Valdes by Manchester United shows how "ungrateful" football can be, says Iker Casillas.

Valdes has been frozen out of the picture at Old Trafford by manager Louis van Gaal after allegedly refusing to play for the Under-21s last season.

Having been told he will not play for Manchester United again, been omitted from United's pre-season tour and even having his belongings removed from the first-team dressing room, Valdes looked certain to leave during the summer transfer window. However, a proposed move to Besiktas fell through and he remains at Manchester United.

The former Barcelona stopper was not called up by Spain for the current international break due to his lack of playing time, leading to his international team-mate Casillas speaking out.

"I want to send all my support and a lot of encouragement to Victor," Casillas told El Mundo Deportivo.

"This is proof that at times football is ungrateful.

"He deserves to find a solution soon because of the type of player he is."

David De Gea shares a joke with fellow Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas while on international duty
David De Gea shares a joke with fellow Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas while on international duty (Getty Images)

With Van Gaal not known for backing down, Valdes seems likely to remain out of action until at least January when the transfer window will re-open.

"Had they told us a year-and-a-half ago that he would be in this situation, no one would have believed it," former Real Madrid captain Casillas added.

He continued: "Obviously, no one wishes him that. I know he will come out of this situation because he has a privileged mind and I really hope he comes out of this.

"I'm certain he will succeed because we all get back to enjoying ourselves [after leaving a club]."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in