'Victor Valdes wants to prove he's not dead'

The 34-year-old has played just two competitive games since May 2014, but has been hailed as an "exceptional professional” by his new manager
Victor Valdes wants to prove to everyone that “he’s not dead”, according to Standard Liege coach Yannick Ferrera.

The 34-year-old has joined the Belgian club on loan until the end of the season after falling out of favour with Louis van Gaal at Manchester United.

Values has played just two competitive games since May 2014 but his new manager insists the goalkeeper is an “exceptional professional” and would already be fit enough to feature in a match.

“From what I’ve seen he’s very good to play now. You barely notice that he’s been out for a while," Ferrera told Marca .

“If tomorrow there was a match, he would [play]. He has been training at a high level these days and will provide the expertise we need in that position.

“I have found an exceptional professional. An hour before the session, he is preparing to train.

“He wants to prove he’s not dead. He has years of football. And, although I have not spoken to him, I don’t understand why he would not be able to go with the Spanish team to the European Championship. I do not know if he will have that goal, but I encourage him.”