In a recent interview with ESPN Uruguay, Fede Valverde, the Uruguayan midfielder for Real Madrid, shared his insights on the crucial Champions League victory against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Valverde, who opted not to take a penalty during the penalty shootout, explained his reasoning behind the decision. He stated, “If you don’t feel well, you’re not going to be any less of a footballer for telling the truth. And I think that in that moment you also have to get rid of that pride and ego, and if I’m not prepared for this moment I leave it to another teammate.”
Fede Valverde on not taking a penalty at the Etihad: “If you don’t feel well, you’re not going to be any less of a footballer for telling the truth. And I think that in that moment you also have to get rid of that pride and ego, and if I’m not prepared for this moment I leave it… pic.twitter.com/8w3it2c8pJ
— Managing Madrid (@managingmadrid) April 28, 2024
Reflecting on the key to Real Madrid’s victory, Valverde emphasized the team’s unwavering commitment to the club’s legacy. He said, “We fought for the shield more than anything. Always fighting and knowing that you always have to trust until the last moment, that you can win against any rival. Madrid is always Madrid and we have shown it in this Champions League.”
Valverde also spoke highly of his relationship with Real Madrid’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti, praising his influence both on and off the pitch. “For me, he is the most important person I have today in football, not only for everything he gives me on a football level, but for everything he gives me on a human level, always asking if me and my family are well; that is the most important thing,” Valverde remarked. “Ancelotti is so close that he makes you feel as if you were a family member. And I think that those technicians or those people within a club are always important.”
