Victor Valdes Returns To Barcelona As U19A Coach

Victor Valdes has been appointed as Barcelona’s new U19A head coach, returning to Camp Nou five years after ending his time at the club as a player.

The 37-year-old racked up 539 appearances for Barca across all competitions over the course of 12 seasons between 2002 and 2014, winning 21 major titles in total.

Valdes picked up three Champions Leagues, six La Liga titles and won the Copa del Rey twice, earning legendary status at the club while also establishing himself as one of the finest shot-stoppers in Europe.

The ex-Spain international was released by Barca in 2014 and returned to the highest level the following year, signing an 18-month deal with Manchester United.

Valdes was sent out for a loan spell at Standard Liege before being sold to Middlesbrough and decided to hang up his gloves permanently in 2018 after leaving the Riverside the previous summer.

The former Blaugrana star signed a one-year contract at Camp Nou on Friday morning with the option of an extension and he will begin working with the U19A squad on July 29.