VICTOR VALDES told Aitor Karanka he was “crazy” when he suggested the legendary Spanish goalkeeper should join him at Middlesbrough.
The six-time La Liga, three-time Champions League, World Cup and European Championship shotstopper moved to the Riverside last summer.
Valdes is undoubtedly the most-decorated man to ever play for the club and appears back to his best after an injury hit few years following his recent performances against Arsenal, Bournemouth and Manchester City.
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But his manager has revealed that the 34-year-old was not keen on a switch to the north east when he originally made contact.
Karanka said: “A year and a half ago, when he was without a team, I called him.
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“He told me I was crazy when I raised him the possibility of a move to Middlesbrough but he thanked me and told me that he was waiting for other things.
“Shortly after, he signed for Manchester United but we were left with the idea to work together.”
Valdes endured a miserable time at United after returning from injury and only made two appearances after being frozen out by Louis van Gaal.
He went on loan to Standard Liege before finally succumbing to Karanka’s persuasion in July.
“In a chat we had he told me that I have to be aware that it is not the Valdes of Barcelona,” Karanka told Spanish magazine Panenka.
And the Boro boss says his new No1 has to be aware that he is no longer surrounded by the stars of the Nou Camp such as Lionel Messi and Co.
“Eventually he will (adapt) and become acclimated to the idea of where he is.
“In training, for example, I’ve had to say that who receives the ball is not Busquets.”
It’s an unlikely alliance considering Karanka was on the Madrid side of the El Classico rivalry compared to Valdes with Barca.
But the bond between the pair came about through a text message after the soon to be out of contract keeper tore his cruciate in March 2014.
Karanka revealed: “My relationship with Victor began when he was injured for the first time.
“His knee was operated on and I sent him a message, just like I did with Roberto Soldado.
“I saw myself in their situation, and I know that messages of this type help, so I dared to send it. And his response was positive.
“I’m happy to have him because the team needed leaders like him,” said Karanka.
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