Valverde’s Redemption Roadmap: Real Madrid Star Opens Up on World Cup Dreams
28 March 2026
Valverde on Madrid, Uruguay, and a World Cup renaissance
Valverde, a Real Madrid star, spoke about his status at the club and his World Cup ambitions with Uruguay.
In remarks highlighted by Marca, he said: "I am in very good shape and happy with how things are going for me both personally and as part of the group. At Real Madrid we enjoy a strong dynamic, so I joined the national team with enthusiasm and a big desire, and, as always, with great pride to wear Uruguay’s shirt once again."
Regarding his hat-trick against Manchester City, Valverde stated: "I really enjoy moments like that, moments when I unexpectedly score more than one goal. For me it’s a unique moment that’s sometimes hard to grasp, but it also helps me keep working and stay focused in football, which keeps me in good shape to reach the national team and present a good image to my teammates."
On his preferred position, he explained: "I like helping the team; sometimes the side needs a full-back and I’ll be there to help, and sometimes the team needs a winger and I’ll be there too. I always like to help with what my teammate and the coaching staff need, and to be at their disposal so things run well when we step on the pitch. That’s why I train daily, rest, and eat well."
He spoke about his relationship with Jose Maria Gimenez, Atlético Madrid star: "Between me and Gimenez there is a very strong friendship. He has always looked after me since I arrived in Madrid, and he has always been there to help when I was alone with my wife and son and my parents. He is the person who approached me to make things better, even though we play for different teams, which rarely happens. I will always be grateful to him and his family."
He closed with talk about the 2026 World Cup: "The good thing about football is that in the blink of an eye you get a chance to avenge yourself and prove your abilities and change the image you left. I think things went badly collectively in Qatar, and many people blamed me; these things happen and are part of football. In the end, that made me grow as a person and as a player, and I know how to face certain situations."
Humor time: 1) If redemption had a GPS, it would keep updating every minute. 2) My left foot is practicing telepathy with the net; apparently the ball listens better when I’m hungry for success.
