ANKARA

 Manchester United snapped up former Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes in a free transfer Thursday evening.

According to a statement made on the English Premier League club’s website, Valdes, the 32-year-old former "Barca" veteran, inked an 18-month deal with the "Red Devils," which included an option to extend the contract for another year.

"It is a real honor to sign for Manchester United…From my short time here, I can already see this is a very special club. I worked with Louis van Gaal during my time at Barcelona and to have the opportunity to work with him here at Manchester United is a dream come true," Valdes said.

Louis van Gaal, the club’s manager, said: "I am delighted Victor has signed for the club. Victor is a very experienced goalkeeper and his record speaks for itself. Victor has remained very professional throughout his rehabilitation from injury and has been very impressive during his training sessions with the first team over the past weeks. He joins the club as the number two goalkeeper and is a great addition to the first team."

Valdes won many local and international titles at Barcelona since 2002 such as six La Liga and Spanish Super Cup titles each, two Spanish King's Cup, three UEFA Champions League titles. 

Valdes was also Spain’s national football team member when "La Furia Roja" (The Red Fury) were crowned as 2010 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2012 winners.