Valverde praised the conversation he had with Kroos after his retirement.

“I talked to him and I ended up telling him exactly that, telling my family and everyone that 8 is a number and numbers don’t mean anything to me. This means that it is very important to me. comes from him that he told me to wear this shirt, and I really appreciate that it doesn’t exist at the public level. “He did it quietly, to me personally, it doesn’t make him a good person, it makes him a great person.”.

Regarding the fact that Kroos has been an example to him since the day he arrived at Real Madrid, Valverde appreciated the number of elite players who have been an example to him.

“I have always tried to learn from the best. When you come to Real Madrid, you try to play, you try to fulfill your childhood dream, but over the years you get advice from people who have been through a lot.“Marcelo, Sergio Ramos, Karim Benzema, Nacho, Carvajal, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric are players who have had a thousand and one experiences at the club,” he assured.

And he concluded: “I think there are different captains, but for me there will be no such as Sergio Ramos and Diego Godin, they are different types of leadership, but captains of the first level. I’m not going to be like them, but I would like to be an image for those young people who come to the club and show them how valuable this shield is.

El Halcón also commented on what it feels like to be a player for a team of Real Madrid’s stature: “You try to enjoy every day, from the moment you arrive in Valdebebebas to the opportunity to train here on these wonderful fields.” The goal is to continue to win titles and continue to leave the mark left by others so that tomorrow they can fire me like they did with other players.

Valverde spoke about what it means to have the opportunity to play in another UEFA Champions League final, and in addition to highlighting the fact of achieving the definition and moving to Orejona, he appreciated the journey he has made, especially after leaving the powerful Pepa. Guardiola’s Manchester City.

“Many people think that reaching the final is easy, but in reality it is very difficult. City really had a hard time, I survived it, if they ask me to play against City again, I will refuse, I will go to Uruguay (laughs). This was very important to me and it gave us a very important boost to get to where we are today. We have a team push to defend like animals, to defend that shield, to fight for the Champions League and that’s what everyone wants. We suffered a lot and I ended up being one of the substitutes that helped us win, so Joselu has me to thank.– he said, laughing again.

Finally, the Uruguayan spoke about his expectations for the grand final against Borussia Dortmund, where he will try to win his second Champions League title.

“I hope above all to win. Enjoy the game, but when you win, you do more. There are a lot of nerves in the moments leading up to it. Everything is different from any other game.” This is the most important game of your life and being able to play it with so many family members in the stands and invite them to watch Fede Valverde play is the best.”