Valverde: “I’m a fighter who sacrifices himself for the good of the team and the fans notice it”

Real Madrid midfielder Fede Valverde talked to Onda Cero during Uruguay’s training camp in Hungary. The midfielder has blossomed into a very important player for coach Zinedine Zidane’s and Madrid’s defensive stability. He is staying humble and knows that he needs to work hard.

“I always say that when you leave everything on the field and when you sacrifice yourself for the good of the team people notice it. I’m a fighter, not only in football but also in my personal life. I try to give everything on the pitch and the fans appreciate it,” said Valverde when asked about his style of play.

The midfielder is as popular as he’s ever been and said that his life has changed now that he is a regular starter for the team.

“I don’t like to talk about being popular but it’s true that I noticed it. I rather talk about the love and appreciation from the fans because that’s beautiful and I’ve also noticed it. A few months ago I wasn’t this famous but it’s beautiful to put a smile on the kids’ faces when they talk to you,” explains Valverde.

The midfielder spent a few seasons with Real Madrid Castilla, where he made an impact and proved himself as a very promising player.

“I always try to be positive. It was unbelievable for me. Many can think that Castilla was just a step in my career but it was wonderful for me to play in such tough stadiums where people want to see Real Madrid’s B team play,” says El Pajaro.

Valverde also explained the reason behind his nickname, which means The Bird.

“They started calling me El Pajaro because when I was a kid it looked as if I was flying around when I was running. My parents didn’t like it very much but it sticked,” concluded Valverde.