Real Madrid News
‘I never imagined’ – Valverde makes emotional admission about captaining Real Madrid
Federico Valverde has once again demonstrated why he is one of Real Madrid’s most respected figures, opening up about the responsibility of captaining the club and his ambitions with the Uruguayan national team.
After another demanding season at the Santiago Bernabeu, the midfielder has shifted his focus to international football as Uruguay prepare for the upcoming World Cup.
Before the tournament gets underway, Valverde sat down with AUF TV (h/t AS) and reflected on some of the most significant moments of his career, including the privilege of leading Real Madrid onto the pitch.
The 27-year-old spoke candidly about the emotions that come with wearing one of football’s most iconic armbands and revealed why it remains one of the proudest achievements of his career.
Valverde reflects on Real Madrid captaincy
During the interview, the interviewer presented Valverde with the Real Madrid captain’s armband and asked him what it means to him, and the midfielder’s response highlighted the magnitude of the honour.
“It’s incredible; I never imagined I’d be captain of Real Madrid, and I enjoy it to the fullest every time I get to wear it.”
However, the Uruguayan also acknowledged that such a privilege brings enormous responsibility.
“It comes with a lot of pressure; when you don’t have it, you want it, and when you do have it, you just want a little peace.”
Valverde also revisited one of the standout moments of his career, recalling the unforgettable occasion when he scored a hat-trick against Manchester City while leading the team.
“The day I scored those three goals, wearing the captain’s armband meant a lot.
“What I experienced that day is similar to my debut with the national team.”
Looking ahead
As attention now turns to the World Cup, Valverde made it clear that his ambitions with Uruguay remain just as strong as his goals at club level.
Discussing the possibility of achieving international glory, he delivered a powerful statement, stating,
“If I win a title with the national team, I can die in peace,” he concluded.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
