Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfielder reveals his ‘long-term goal’ is to become club captain
Federico Valverde has enjoyed a tremendous rise in stature over the past couple of years. The 24-year-old has been critical to the success that Los Blancos have enjoyed in Carlo Ancelotti’s second stint as manager and has emerged as one of the ‘untouchables’ in the team.
Be it in his natural central midfield position or on the right flank, the Uruguayan international continues to give his all and leave everything on the pitch. On top of that, Valverde has also added goals and creativity to his game, making himself a much more pivotal cog in the process.
Time and again, Valverde has shown his passion for the club, his ‘Madridismo’ on the pitch. And the 24-year-old has now revealed that his long-term goal is to go and don the captain’s armband for Real Madrid in the future.
“My long-term goal is to wear the captain’s armband at Real Madrid, a legacy that few players have been able to enjoy,” Valverde said (h/t Madrid Zone).
While the midfielder harbours ambitions of captaining the team, Real Madrid themselves see him as a leader of the team for the future.
The club have placed tremendous faith in the former Penarol starlet, which was reflected in the long-term contract that they handed him, extending his stay at the Santiago Bernabeu until 2027.
Valverde has more than repaid that faith already with some stunning displays, with the most recent one coming against Celtic in the UEFA Champions League.
In all, the 24-year-old has already scored eight goals across all competitions this season, finding the back of the net in crucial encounters against Barcelona, Sevilla and Atletico Madrid, among several others.
The Uruguayan has shown that he has the characteristics to take over the captain’s armband in the future.
With the current leadership group of Karim Benzema, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Nacho Fernandez all in the final phase of their respective careers, it might not be long before Valverde is asked to step up and take over.
According to AS, Atletico Madrid have made the first approach for Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga, who has also been linked heavily with a move to Real Madrid and Arsenal.
The 20-year-old midfielder has emerged as one of the most exciting young prospects in Spanish football this season, having already netted nine goals in La Liga.
It has alerted a series of top-level clubs, with the likes of Real Madrid, Arsenal, Liverpool and Atletico Madrid all being linked with the youngster, who has a €40 million release clause in his contract with Celta.
Real Madrid are in the market for midfield reinforcements and have identified Jude Bellingham as their top target, but Veiga is also said to be on the agenda at the Santiago Bernabeu
However, recently, the Galician club’s president confirmed that there had been contact from clubs in England, but stated that Real Madrid had made no approach.
On top of that, a report from MARCA quoted a club source saying that they were not contemplating signing the 20-year-old.
Amidst this, it has now emerged that Atletico Madrid have made an approach towards signing Veiga from Celta Vigo in the summer transfer window.
The Rojiblancos are also in the market for new midfielders amid question marks over the futures of Saul Niguez and Geoffrey Kondogbia.
While Diego Simeone’s side have taken a first step, the report indicates that Veiga, in case of the absence of interest from Real Madrid, would prefer to join Arsenal.
So, the Colchoneros will need to put in efforts to convince the 20-year-old to choose them over a move to the Premier League club come summer if they are serious about adding the talented youngster to their roster for next season.
Gift
November 4, 2022 at 9:34 am
Valverde has the personality and character to be the captain. His rise has been phenomenal. No doubt he will achieve his dream at Madrid
Faith
November 4, 2022 at 8:54 pm
He is an excellent player!