Fede Valverde: “I will always be grateful to Casemiro, he gives me a lot of advice”

Fede Valverde has been a bright spot for Real Madrid this season and is challenging for a starting position at the age of 21. The Uruguayan was a guest on Real Madrid TV and gave a lengthy interview where he talked about what it meant to play for Real Madrid, the advice he receives from teammates, the nerves he felt before the derby, and his goals for the future:

Playing for Real Madrid: “When I pull the Real Madrid shirt on, I always get that tingle in my stomach. I don’t think that should ever go away. It’s special.

It’s incredible to be playing for such a massive club and one with such a rich history at the age of 21. I’m full of desire and will keep on fighting to lift trophies. When I was a child, I dreamed of playing here. I’m now just trying to make the most of the opportunities I get, listen to the advice from my teammates and just enjoy the moment.”

Nerves before the Derby: “I recall an incident before the derby. The coach had named the line-up and I was in it. Casemiro came over and asked me if I was nervous and I looked at my hand and it was shaking. Never did I imagine that I’d end up playing at a club like Real Madrid. I’m now just trying to keep on improving and making the most of this one-off chance. I’m the only one who’s responsible for keeping this dream going and let’s hope that it never ends.”

Impact from teammates: “I came into the dressing room at a time when we’d won lots of Champions League trophies and the fact that you’re welcomed in just like anybody else is a big satisfaction, it fills you with pride and joy.”

“Modrić and Kroos looked after me from day one and that’s been really pleasing for me. Nowadays we share jokes together, but at the start I held them in great esteem. I see them as big brothers. They’re role models and I will forever be grateful to them.”

“Every player has their own story within the club. They all offer advice and are willing to listen to me. I really admire Casemiro and will always be grateful to him. He’s like a father figure. He sits next to me in the dressing room and always gives me a lot of advice.”

Early moments with the club: “I remember when I was named in the team. I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t understand a thing. I was going to make my debut. I came on and Marcelo scored. I will never forget it and that has to serve as a motivator for me.”

“The first piece of silverware is special. The Club World Cup was the first one and it will be the first of many. I won a trophy with people that I had watched years before on TV. I’d love to spend many years here and win a lot of trophies.”

Zidane: “Zidane helps to get the best out of me and for me not to hide away and to go and prove why the coach plays me. I thank him for the advice he gives me, just as I do the rest of my teammates. I’m delighted that he has good things to say about me.”

Aspirations: “My target is first and foremost to continue to grow as a person and a player. When you play for this badge, you can’t rest on your laurels. I’ve won a Club World Cup and want to win all of the competitions going. There’s still a long way to go.”