Victor Valdes is thoroughly enjoying being a footballer again.

The 34-year-old goalkeeper made his debut for Middlesbrough in the Premier League season opener against Stoke City at the Riverside Stadium last weekend.

The match was only the former Barcelona gloveman's third in England's top flight, having played twice for Manchester United, and he admits it is a very special competition to ply your trade at the top level.

"The atmosphere is positive around this team and I am enjoying life here," he told Sky Sports News HQ.

"Saturday (against Stoke) was a special day at The Riverside - a new stadium for me and new set of fans.

"Even the afternoon kick offs are different to what I am used to in Spain. But the Premier League is special for any player.

"Our goal is to stay in the top flight, but I reckon we can do more than that. It looks like a different goal from what I'm used to because we are new in the Premier League but in my head nothing changes."