Butelle ready for Valencia
Friday, May 21, 2004
Article summary
French U21 goalkeeper Ludovic Butelle is set to move to Spanish champions Valencia CF from FC Metz.
Article body
Long-term deal
The French Under-21 international will have a five-year contract with Valencia, who lifted the UEFA Cup on Wednesday after claiming the Primera División title last weekend. The 21-year-old will head to Spain at the end of the campaign to finalise a deal first agreed in February.
Excited by move
Speaking to Metz’s website, Butelle said: "Valencia are a big European club. I thought a lot about this move because it is a turning point in my career. Valencia were looking for a young goalkeeper already comfortable at top-level football."
Goalkeeping riches
Valencia coach Rafael Benítez will hope Butelle will put pressure on first-choice Santiago Cañizares, who has enjoyed another superb season. Both Cañizares, 34, and deputy Andrés Palop have only a year left on their respective contracts.