Barcelona's Victor Valdes: It's an honor to play 400 games for Barcelona

Posted Monday, April 25, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes has spoken of his delight in playing his 400th game for the Catalan giants in yesterday's 2-0 victory over Osasuna.

The 29-year-old made his debut back in 2002 and has so far earned an impressive 13 impressive major titles with the Spanish giants.

Valdes is only the second goalkeeper in Barcelona's history to reach the 400-game milestone with the legendary Andoni Zubizarreta making a total of 410 appearances for the club.

"It's an honor for me. I don't pay much attention to these things, but it's a pretty good figure and I would like to thank all those who have been there for me. Without them I wouldn't be enjoying this moment," the player told Barca TV.

Valdes was particularly excited about the prospect of surpassing Zubizarreta's record, with the player confirming the now Barcelona director of football to be his childhood hero.

"It's an honor [to join Zubizaretta on 400 appearances]. Firstly because Zubizaretta has been an example for me since I got into the first team. As the seasons have gone by, he's been very influential in my game, my way of thinking. I've always said that what he did was fantastic," Valdes added.

"He was the first to win a European Cup and the first in many things. I'm lucky to have him by my side every day and if i can beat his record, so much the better."

Valdes will be hoping to add to his appearance tally when Barcelona play Real Madrid in the fiest-leg of their Champions League semi-final tie on Wednesday evening.