Quitting Real salvaged my career, says Canizares

Valencia goalkeeper Santiago Canizares claims that leaving Real Madrid was the best decision he has made in his career.

The Spain national goalkeeper explained his feelings about leaving the Bernabeu as he prepared for his country's World Cup qualifier against Bosnia this weekend.

"Leaving Real was the best decision I made," said Canizares, who was with Madrid for four seasons before joining Valencia in 1998. "I guessed right - moving away was what I needed to do."

"I have found what I was looking for at Valencia. The years I have spent at the Mestalla have been very positive."

"We have had a very successful three years and despite not winning the Champions' League we have done very well to achieve what we have."

"But above all I have continuously been called up to the national team and for that reason alone I am content. Hopefully they will continue to want me for a long time to come."

Canizares appears to have put the Champions' League final defeat behind him, despite collapsing as Bayern Munich scored the winning penalty on the dramtic night in Milan.

"All I can say about the final is that I am full of admiration for Oliver Kahn," said Canizares. "I have to say that I believe that he is the best goalkeeper in Europe."

"He has demonstrated for a long time how good he is and again in the final he came forward and was outstanding."