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 key midfielder ready to start vs Atletico Madrid after strong return from injury
Real Madrid have had a few injuries to contend with since the start of the season, with Aurelien Tchouameni, Thiago Pitarch and Endrick all serving spells on the sidelines.
The trio are back in training now and looking to work their way into Jose Mourinho’s plans after a disrupted pre-season.
Now, according to Alberto Pereiro, Tchouameni appears to be winning the race to return to Real Madrid’s starting XI for the derby against Atletico Madrid.
The 26-year-old is said to be in the best physical condition of the players who have recently returned from injury.
Thiago Pitarch, Endrick and Tchouameni all rejoined team training last week, but the Frenchman is currently considered the most match-ready of the three.
Tchouameni ahead in the recovery race
As such, Tchouameni is now expected to start against Atletico Madrid later this week. That would be an important boost for Mourinho considering the physical nature of the game in store.
Tchouameni gives Real Madrid something very specific in midfield. He can protect the defence, compete in duels, cover large spaces and provide the kind of structure Mourinho values when matches become chaotic.
His return would also allow Real Madrid to approach the game with more balance around Federico Valverde and the attacking players ahead of them.
Mourinho has always valued his profile
Mourinho has been careful with Tchouameni’s recovery rather than rushing him back before he was fully ready.
That patience now looks set to pay off. Madrid have enough technical quality in midfield, but against Atletico, the game is unlikely to be decided by possession alone.
The ability to win second balls, close transition spaces and survive physically intense periods could be just as important.
This is exactly where Tchouameni thrives.
Pitarch and Endrick may need more time
The latest update also suggests Pitarch and Endrick are slightly behind Tchouameni in terms of physical readiness.
That does not necessarily mean either player is unavailable, but it would make sense for Mourinho to manage their minutes more cautiously. The duo are expected to be fully ready after the international break.
Pitarch still has an important role to play in a crowded midfield, while Endrick will be looking to re-establish himself in the attacking rotation after his own injury interruption.
For the derby, neither of those players is likely to be an option for the XI, but Tchouameni will definitely be a great addition.
If he does start, it would underline how highly Mourinho values him in the biggest matches. At the Metropolitano, Madrid may need Tchouameni more than anyone else, and it remains to be seen how things play out.
