Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta believes Victor Valdes is the best goalkeeper in the world and won't be easily replaced once his contract expires at the end of next season.
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The goalkeeper last week decided not to renew his current deal with the Catalan giants, and looks set to depart the current Primera Division leaders at the end of the season.
Having spent their entire careers together at the club, Iniesta admitted that he will miss his long-time teammate when he eventually leaves the Camp Nou.
"As a footballer, I don't like to see us lose Victor because for me he is the best goalkeeper in the world and he'll be really missed when he's gone," he said.
"As a person, I respect and support his decision because everyone is in charge of their own life."
The world cup winning goalscorer believes the keeper is justified in his decision to leave after a lifetime of service to the Blaugrana.
"When the news came out everybody was talking about it, but I would like to analyse it in a more neutral way," he added
"Victor started at Barca when he was 10 years old, he has come through all the youth categories and his work and actions on the pitch are indisputable.
"He's overcome difficult moments and has won five Zamoras (trophy given to the goalkeeper with the lowest goals-to-game record in the Primera Division). We're not talking about just any player. We're talking about a player who has been here 20 years, who has given his life for the club, for his team-mates.
"It's not easy to say you won't be continuing at this club. It's a personal decision which he will have considered for a long time."
Since the 31-year-old's decision became public knowledge, several goalkeepers have been linked with the club, with Liverpool's Pepe Reina heading the list of replacements, but the Spain international doesn't think Valdes' shoes will be easily filled.
"It will be difficult to find a substitute for him. Right now I'm not thinking about another goalkeepers. My goalkeeper is Victor and he will be until the final day that he's here," Iniesta added.
"It's not news that's going to affect us. If things go badly it will because we haven't done well, not because of Victor."
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