 As a result, FC Barcelona were crowned champions instead, and the elegant defender left A Coruña at the end of 1996–97 at the age of 31 as his contract was not renewed.Subsequently, Đukić joined Valencia, starting in all of the league games he took part in his first three seasons and helping the "Che" to two consecutive UEFA Champions League finals, both lost.Already as a backup, he made 16 appearances as the club won the first national championship in 31 years in 2002.