Valdes unfazed by Champions League opponent

Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes is not fussed who his side face in the Champions League quarter-finals.

The draw for the last eight will be made on Friday, which could pit the Catalan giants against the likes of Chelsea or Manchester United, or Bundesliga mid-table outfit Schalke.

But Valdes said he had no preference about who Barcelona’s opposition will be, while remaining hopeful that his side can clinch three trophies this season.

“Whatever team we have to face, it will be very hard,” Valdes said.

“I don’t have any preference for any team. I hope that we go through, and whoever it is will be our next opponent.”

“We are in the cup final, and we are still able to win all three competitions, so I am not ruling anything out.”

Valdes is on the comeback trail after a knee injury sidelined him for three weeks and admitted although he is still having some issues, it is not causing him serious discomfort.

“I am fine. We did a good job with my recovery and even though there are some niggles, it isn’t a big problem,” he said.

The Spanish custodian also praised the players of arch-rivals Real Madrid, who paid tribute to Barca defender Eric Abidal on Wednesday night after their 3-0 second-leg win against Lyon.

Abidal was diagnosed with cancer this week and Valdes said the gesture was greatly appreciated by his team-mates.

“I think that it is a non-sporting injury, so it is above any sporting rivalry,” he said.

“We as team-mates are grateful for all the support that he has received, and the love being shown for Abidal by everybody. Not just from the fans, but from everyone.”