Legendary Barcelona goalkeeper who also played for Man Utd makes return to management after four-year absence as he joins promotion-chasing Spanish minnows

Legendary former Barcelona and Manchester United goalkeeper Víctor Valdés is back in management after a four-year hiatus. The three-time Champions League winner has taken charge of Spanish minnows Real Ávila, a promotion-chasing side aiming to climb the ranks of Spanish football.

After previous stints with Escuela Deportiva Moratalaz, Barcelona’s Juvenil A, and Horta in the Tercera RFEF, Valdes has now been appointed head coach of Real Avila, a fourth-division side with promotion ambitions in Spanish football. Valdes played 535 games for the Catalans in what was a trophy-laden 12-year spell at the Camp Nou. Following his retirement in 2017, he completed his UEFA Pro Licence course in 2018. However, after his stint at Horta, he didn't manage any team.

After being announced as the manager of Avila, Valdes addressed the media and spoke about the possibility of becoming Barca's first team coach in the future.

“I’m taking it one step at a time. This is the opportunity I have now. I am in Segunda RFEF," said Valdes (h/t Barca Universal).

“What you’re talking about are bigger things. I have to be humble, learning from my mistakes and celebrating small and big victories.”

Valdes faced an unceremonious exit from La Masia in 2019, after it was reported that the then-Barca U19 head coach had a spat with Patrick Kluivert, who served as the director of youth football.

Avila are currently fourth on the Segunda Federacion table, 20 points behind table-toppers Pontevedra. Valdes' first game at the helm will be played on Sunday, April 27, when his side take on Compostela. The 43-year-old will remain in charge of the club until the end of next season.