Barcelona great Victor Valdes is delighted Lionel Messi is staying for the new season.

Messi announced last week that he was withdrawing his transfer request.

Valdes told Mundo Deportivo: “I have suffered because in the end they are my colleagues. Leo was with me since he got to the first team and I always had a very strong connection with him. I have suffered because the attitude of Leo cannot be questioned, nor the quality nor what he represents.

"A little hurt by the comments but we already know that football has this. Now I am very happy that Barça can have him and I hope that he is motivated and can give many joys to Barça, who needs them."

Valdés, who knows the Argentine well, added: “I think it will be a very good season for Leo . It will motivate him and we will see the Leo who really wants to show what he is capable of and I hope that in the end the team and the club will see the best Leo because it is a guarantee that he can be decisive in each game."