Fede Valverde, Uruguayan international midfielder for Real Madrid, He explained why, as one of the kickers selected by the coaching staff to kick in the Etihad’s penalty shootout against Manchester City, he asked not to do so, leaving “pride” and “ego” aside.
“That night I was talking about it and I went to bed regretting having the opportunity to leave that mark in Real Madrid’s historygoing to the semi-finals with my contribution in penalties, which I’m good at, but in the end I really enjoyed having qualified,” he reflected in the press room at the Allianz Arena, and acknowledged the thoughts he had in his head at that moment.
Valverde felt tired after his intense physical exertion in the match and extra time, there was no confidence to take a crucial penalty to continue in the Champions League. He put the good of the team before himself.
“I want to qualify no matter what, I’m happy to win and that’s the bitter taste that sometimes you have to put aside your pride, the ego, and look he’s not as ready as he thinks”, he admitted.
“Tired, tired, I was played with at that moment and I chose to tell the coaching staff that I was not ready to accept the penalty. I hope in the future I will be strong enough to throw and not go through the same thing,” he added.
Valverde is unquestionably happy for Carlo Ancelotti in a season he said he was “thoroughly enjoying” and showed great respect for Bayern. “All the games are very complicated in this competition. The teams deserve respect, especially Bayern, who have many titles. Like Real Madrid, they play in the last moments and You have to have the same respect for them as you have for Manchester City. We are excited to get another trophy for the club,” he said.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
