‘I never imagined’ – Valverde makes emotional admission about captaining Real Madrid | OneFootball

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.

Valverde is proud to wear the captain’s armband. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

“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.

Valverde is one of Real Madrid’s captains. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

“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.