Uruguayan midfielder delivers passionate statement defending his professionalism amid reports questioning his willingness to play out of position
Madrid, October 2, 2025 — In an impassioned statement that has sent ripples through the Real Madrid community, midfielder Fede Valverde has forcefully dismissed reports questioning his commitment to the club, addressing head-on the speculation that has emerged following a difficult period for both the player and the team.
The 27-year-old Uruguayan international took to social media to set the record straight after several articles suggested he had refused to play in certain positions, particularly at right-back. The controversy comes on the heels of Real Madrid’s stunning 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Madrid derby, a match that marked a significant stumble for Los Blancos.
“I have read several articles damaging my reputation,” Valverde wrote. “I know I’ve had bad games, I’m aware of it. I’m not hiding, and I face the criticism head-on. I’m truly sad. People can say many things about me, but under no circumstances can they say that I refuse to play.”
The Context Behind the Controversy
Valverde’s emotional response comes at a particularly challenging moment in Real Madrid’s season. The team’s heavy defeat to Atletico Madrid last weekend was a humbling experience for a side that had started the campaign with impressive form. The loss saw Julian Alvarez score twice for the hosts, including a majestic free-kick, as Atletico came from behind to secure a memorable victory at the Metropolitano Stadium.
For Valverde specifically, the derby proved to be a difficult evening. The midfielder struggled alongside his teammates to impose control in the center of the park, and his performance included a costly turnover in stoppage time that contributed to Antoine Griezmann’s goal, sealing Atletico’s fifth of the night. It was the kind of mistake that magnifies under the intense scrutiny of one of football’s most storied rivalries.
In the aftermath of that defeat, reports began circulating that Valverde had expressed reluctance about playing in defensive positions, specifically at right-back, a role he has occasionally filled due to Real Madrid’s tactical flexibility and squad rotation needs. These reports suggested friction between the player and the coaching staff, painting a picture of a disgruntled star unwilling to sacrifice for the team’s greater good.
A Warrior’s Response
Valverde’s statement leaves no room for ambiguity about where he stands. The midfielder, who has been with Real Madrid since 2018, laid bare his commitment in terms that few could question.
“I have given everything and more for this club,” he declared. “I’ve played while fractured, injured, and I’ve never complained or asked for a break. I have a good relationship with the coach, which makes me feel confident enough to tell him which position I prefer on the pitch, but I always, always made it clear that I’m available to perform anywhere, on any trip, and in every game.”
The reference to playing through injuries speaks to a level of dedication that resonates deeply within football culture. In a sport where availability and durability are prized commodities, Valverde’s claim of playing through fractures and other physical ailments paints the picture of a player whose commitment cannot reasonably be questioned.
His clarification about his relationship with manager Xabi Alonso is particularly noteworthy. Rather than presenting himself as a player who demands certain treatment, Valverde acknowledges that while he feels comfortable expressing his positional preferences to his coach, he has never used that relationship to avoid playing where the team needs him. This mature approach to communication stands in stark contrast to the narrative being pushed by some media outlets.
The Burden of Expectation and Versatility
Since establishing himself as a key figure in Real Madrid’s midfield, Valverde has been one of the club’s most consistent performers. His combination of athleticism, technical ability, and work rate has made him indispensable to multiple managers. However, this versatility has occasionally been both a blessing and a curse.
Players of Valverde’s caliber often find themselves asked to fill gaps across multiple positions. While this demonstrates trust from the coaching staff, it can also lead to frustration when a player feels their best attributes aren’t being maximized in their natural position. The situation mirrors challenges faced by other versatile players across Europe’s top leagues, where tactical flexibility sometimes comes at the cost of individual optimization.
In the Premier League, for instance, several newcomers have shown the importance of finding the right role quickly. Players like João Pedro at Chelsea and Mohammed Kudus at Tottenham have thrived by being deployed in positions that maximize their strengths from day one. Valverde’s statement suggests he has navigated this tension with maturity, expressing preferences while maintaining his willingness to serve the collective.
“I’ve left my heart and soul in this club and I will continue to do so, even if sometimes it’s not enough or I’m not playing as I’d like,” Valverde continued. “I swear on my pride that I will never give up and will fight until the end, playing wherever I’m needed.”
Lessons from Madrid’s Galáctico Past
Real Madrid has a storied history of managing superstar egos and maintaining squad harmony, particularly during the Galácticos era. Kylian Mbappé’s recent reflections on leaving PSG for Madrid offer an interesting parallel. The French superstar emphasized that football remains “a job” despite the glamour, and that professionalism means fulfilling your responsibilities regardless of personal circumstances.
Valverde’s statement echoes this sentiment. By publicly acknowledging his poor performances while defending his professionalism, he demonstrates the maturity that separates truly elite players from those who crumble under pressure. His willingness to face criticism head-on rather than deflect or make excuses shows leadership qualities that Real Madrid desperately need during challenging periods.
The Broader Picture at Real Madrid
Valverde’s statement comes at a time when Real Madrid, despite their strong position in La Liga, faces questions about their consistency and defensive solidity. The five goals conceded to Atletico exposed vulnerabilities that opposing teams will look to exploit, and the defeat has intensified scrutiny on individual performances.
For a club of Real Madrid’s stature and expectations, even minor setbacks can generate outsized reactions. The pressure on players to perform at the highest level week after week is relentless, and the Spanish sports media is notoriously unforgiving of perceived weaknesses or controversies.
The situation also highlights how managerial decisions can spark debate. Much like Alan Shearer’s questioning of Arsenal’s choice to bench Eberechi Eze against Liverpool, tactical selections at elite clubs are always under the microscope. When results don’t go as planned, every decision—from team selection to positional deployment—faces intense scrutiny from legends, pundits, and fans alike.
Valverde’s willingness to acknowledge his recent below-par performances while simultaneously defending his professionalism demonstrates emotional intelligence and leadership. Rather than deflecting criticism or making excuses, he has chosen to confront the narrative directly, accepting responsibility for his form while rejecting any suggestion that his commitment has wavered.
The Ambition of Youth and the Wisdom of Experience
At 27, Valverde finds himself at an interesting stage of his career. He’s no longer the promising youngster breaking through but not yet the grizzled veteran coasting on reputation. This is the period where players either elevate themselves to legendary status or fade into solid-but-unspectacular careers.
The ambition required to reach the summit of world football is immense. Lamine Yamal’s recent declaration that he dreams of winning “many Ballons d’Or” at just 17 years old demonstrates the fearless mentality required to achieve greatness. While Valverde may not speak as boldly about individual accolades, his statement reveals a similar hunger—a refusal to accept anything less than complete commitment to his craft.
For Real Madrid supporters, this kind of mentality is exactly what they want to see from their players. The club’s DNA is built on perseverance, determination, and an unwavering belief in ultimate victory. Valverde’s public commitment to these values reinforces why he has been such an integral part of the team’s success in recent years.
A Message to the Fans
Perhaps the most powerful aspect of Valverde’s statement is its transparency. In an era where many athletes communicate through carefully managed public relations channels, his raw emotion and directness feel refreshingly authentic. He isn’t hiding behind platitudes or corporate-speak; he’s speaking directly to the fans who have supported him and the critics who have questioned him.
This kind of public accountability can be a double-edged sword. By acknowledging his struggles so openly, Valverde has set a standard by which his future performances will be judged. However, it also demonstrates the kind of character that Real Madrid fans have long appreciated—players who understand the weight of wearing the white shirt and are willing to fight for the honor of representing the club.
The statement also serves as a reminder that behind the statistics and tactical analyses are human beings who feel the weight of expectation and the sting of criticism. Players at the highest level operate under immense pressure, with every touch, every decision, and every performance dissected by millions of observers. That Valverde chooses to engage with this scrutiny rather than retreat from it speaks volumes about his mental fortitude.
Looking Ahead
As Real Madrid continues its campaign across multiple competitions, Valverde’s role remains crucial to the team’s ambitions. Whether deployed in his preferred central midfield position or asked to provide cover elsewhere, his versatility and work rate make him a valuable asset to manager Xabi Alonso.
The challenge now is for Valverde to channel the emotion and determination expressed in his statement into his performances on the pitch. Form is temporary, but class is permanent—a maxim that the Uruguayan has proven true throughout his career at the Santiago Bernabéu.
His statement concludes with a promise that will resonate with supporters: a commitment to never give up and to fight until the end, regardless of where he’s asked to play. For a player who has given so much to Real Madrid already, it’s a vow that few would doubt he’ll keep.
In the high-pressure world of elite football, where narratives can shift rapidly and criticism comes swiftly, Valverde’s response serves as a reminder that behind the statistics and tactical analyses are human beings who feel the weight of expectation and the sting of criticism. His willingness to face both head-on, while maintaining his commitment to the collective, exemplifies the mentality that has made him such an important figure at one of football’s most demanding institutions.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Valverde to see if he can rediscover the form that has made him one of Real Madrid’s most reliable performers. If his statement is anything to go by, there should be little doubt about his determination to do exactly that. The question now is whether his performances can match the passion of his words, turning this moment of controversy into a catalyst for renewed excellence on the pitch.