Real Madrid’s Fede Valverde: “It would be special to win another Champions League”

Fede Valverde wears the number 15 shirt at Real Madrid and there’s no need to explain that the Uruguayan box-to-box midfielder has been sharing jokes with his team-mates throughout the Champions League campaign about how special it would be to win the Champions League again this year, honoring the number he has worn on his jersey since he made his debut for Madrid in the 2018-19 season.

Valverde was one of the heroes when Los Blancos beat Liverpool to win their 14th Champions League title in Paris last year, when he ran through to assist Vinícius to score the winning goal. For this reason, Valverde is one of the men who best represents the fighting spirit that will be necessary next Wednesday at the Etihad Stadium as Carlo Ancelotti’s men look to advance to the final in Istanbul (June 10).

“Playing in the Champions League is special because it is Real Madrid’s competition. It’s always different from any other match,” Valverde tells AS.

“It’s another energy... it all feels like it’s a unique dream. It is the competition that every footballer who is at a European club dreams of winning. And surely for the fans, there is nothing more beautiful than seeing your team win this competition because it is the most important at club level.”

Valverde, who never gives up regardless of the quality of the opponent, shows optimism based on Madrid’s DNA despite the 1-1 draw in the first leg at the Bernabéu.

He adds: “At Madrid, they have always taught us that it is UNTIL THE END, so there are 90 minutes left.”

Valverde’s form at Real Madrid

Valverde’s performances have improved in the last few weeks. He started the season on fire, scoring 10 goals and registering four assists in the opening third of the campaign, being the club’s third highest scorer behind Karim Benzema and Vinícius. Ancelotti even took a gamble with him in the summer, jokingly threatening to quit as coach if he didn’t get Valverde to score 10 goals over the course of the season. He now has 12 goals and six assists.

Fede more than fulfilled his promise, but a personal problem in January (his wife had a difficult pregnancy that caused concerns over the baby’s life) caused his mood to drop, something that affected him on the pitch. The incident with Álex Baena at the Bernabéu happened and it also affected him.

Valverde set for 200th appearance with Real Madrid

The Uruguay international is now getting closer to his very best again. The possibility of eliminating City and dreaming about a 15th Champions League title comes up again.

“That it is number 15 is not so special. What would be special would be to win another Champions League with Madrid and it would be with the number I wear on my jersey. When I arrived here it was one of the numbers that was free and as I’m not a big fan of certain numbers I enjoyed it from the first day they gave it to me. I’m going to take great care of this shirt and this number with all the respect and responsibility that comes with having a place in a squad as incredible as Real Madrid’s.”

Still just 24, if he gets minutes this Saturday against Getafe, it will be his 200th game in white. And if Ancelotti rests him against Bordalás’ boys, he will celebrate his 200th game at the Etihad on Wednesday.