Reflecting on the grueling match against Manchester City, Valverde didn’t mince words about the emotional and physical toll it took on him.
“For me the game against Manchester City was very hard, I suffered.
“Was my goal against Manchester City in the first leg important?
Against a team like Manchester City, making it 3-3, after trailing...
It is the most important game of your life and being able to play it with many family members in the stands and having them come to watch a Fede Valverde game, the best.”
In an exclusive interview with Marca on Real Madrid’s open media day, Federico Valverde shared candid insights into the rollercoaster of a season that has brought him and his team to the cusp of another Champions League final. The Uruguayan midfielder spoke with openness about the difficulties faced, the lessons learned, and the anticipation of the grand finale.
Reflecting on the grueling match against Manchester City, Valverde didn’t mince words about the emotional and physical toll it took on him. “For me the game against Manchester City was very hard, I suffered. If they tell me to play against City again, I say no. For me that game was very important, I think it gave us a big push to get us to where we are today.”
Valverde also delved into the nuances of their clash with Bayern Munich, offering a perspective that contrasts with the external narrative. “In my opinion, in Germany against Bayern it was not as difficult a match as was said,” Valverde explained. “We could have won if it were up to us. After having gone through so many qualifying rounds, everyone thought that at the Bernabéu it was going to be easy in the second leg. In the end we had to suffer a lot here, at home. I was one of the substitutes that came off for Joselu. Thanks to that we won, so Joselu has to thank me a lot for what he did (laughs).”
The transformation of the Santiago Bernabéu, now boasting a closed roof, has also left an impression on Valverde.
“Today with the Santiago Bernabéu’s roof closed it is much more impressive,” Valverde said. “After that game I told my family that for me it was something incredible that a teammate scored and ran out to hug him. In the end on the field you are focused on other things, you are concentrated and you don’t enjoy those moments as much. Outside the field, when you’re on the bench, you value everything the team does much more.”
One of the standout moments of the season for Valverde was his crucial goal against Manchester City in the first leg, an act he reflects on with mixed emotions — but mostly with joy in hindsight.
“Was my goal against Manchester City in the first leg important? I would tell you that it could be,” he said. “Maybe some think no, that we won there in the second leg. I remember an interview after the game and the question was why I didn’t value the goal so much. They asked me why I hadn’t celebrated the goal. I had reasons, it wasn’t like a defeat, but it seemed like it. Against a team like Manchester City, making it 3-3, after trailing... Going to play there was like a defeat, that’s why I didn’t value it as much. But today I am very happy for that goal.”
This goal really turned out to be absolutely MASSIVE.pic.twitter.com/FB2w7oIonl — Managing Madrid (@managingmadrid) May 28, 2024
Looking ahead, Valverde touched upon the impending departure of Toni Kroos, a player he deeply admires and respects.
“I haven’t spoken much with Ancelotti about my role when Kroos leaves,” Valverde remarked. ”Today I am having to play in another position, far from where Toni plays. We will never be able to replace him and I tell you, he is the person I admire the most and I would love to be able to do at least ten percent of what he has done at Real Madrid, but it is very difficult. In the end we have different styles of play, there is no player in the world like Toni. We have another way of playing, we will try to continue marking an era in this club, but it will be difficult. With our qualities, we adapt to what the coach asks of us, which is to give our best and leave that mark on Real Madrid.”
As the Champions League final approaches, Valverde’s focus is unwavering.
“What do I expect from the Champions League final? To win it above all,” he said. “Enjoy the game, but you enjoy more when you win. In the moments before, there are a lot of nerves. It is different from any other game. It is the most important game of your life and being able to play it with many family members in the stands and having them come to watch a Fede Valverde game, the best.”
