Manchester United were willing to pay Real Madrid €120 million (£105.2 million) for their versatile midfielder Federico Valverde. The 27-year-old club captain, some reports claimed, was unhappy with Xabi Alonso's rigour to make him operate as a full-back than in the middle of the park.
Valverde wants to operate as a midfielder, his natural position, but Alonso preferring Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler and Aurélien Tchouaméni for the position was a cause of concern for the Uruguayan who was operating as the team's right-back in the absence of Dani Carvajal.
It was said that Manchester United were looking to make the most of this opportunity and try to lure him to England. However, a latest media interaction has cleared the air about Valverde's future. Speaking to Marca after Real Madrid’s 3–0 win against Athletic Bilbao in the La Liga, Valverde reportedly said: “I’m very happy to be part of this team, it’s an honour to have these teammates and to keep improving as a team... Wearing it (the captain’s armband) is fantastic. I try to bring out my best, and in recent matches it’s been difficult not to do so."
Federico Valverde opens up about future
“Wearing it (the captain’s armband) is fantastic. I try to bring out my best, and in recent matches it’s been difficult not to do so.
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“I train to bring out the best in myself. I appreciate the support of my teammates, who always make me smile, and the coaching staff for trusting in me.”
Earlier reports had said that Rúben Amorim's United were ready to offer Kobbie Mainoo and €50 million in exchange for Valverde. However, later reports claimed that if United didn't want their player to be included in the deal, a €120 million-worth transfer would be considered by the former Premier League champions.
Valverde's current contract, which runs until 30 June 2029, has a release clause of €1 billion. But none of it matters any more with the star making it clear that he intends to remain at the Santiago Bernabéu.
