"If they want me out of Real Madrid, they'll have to kill me" - Los Blancos star makes emphatic claim to pledge his loyalty
Federico Valverde has affirmed his commitment to Real Madrid with a passionate vow over his future. The Uruguayan midfielder has been at the Santiago Bernabeu since July 2018 and is a fan favorite.
Valverde, 26, emphatically dismissed any suggestions of a potential departure. He said (via Madrid Xtra):
"If they want me out of Real Madrid, they'll have to kill me."
The 62-cap Uruguay international has been a prominent member of Carlo Ancelotti's Los Blancos. Last season, he was a standout performer for the reigning European champions, registering three goals and eight assists in 54 games across competitions.
However, transfer talk regarding Valverde has ensued in recent years amid his excellent displays at the Bernabeu. Chelsea and Liverpool were linked with the Real Madrid playmaker several months ago.
Valverde has four years left on his contract with Madrid after signing a new extension in November. That new deal saw his release clause rise to €1billion (£871.5 million), per The Athletic. Good luck to any club wishing to fork out that kind of money.
Los Blancos' new number eight joined the La Liga giants from Uruguayan outfit Penarol for a mere €5 million. He's won 12 major trophies at the Bernabeu, including two UEFA Champions League trophies and three La Liga titles.
Federico Valverde's heartwarming response to inheriting Toni Kroos' No.8 jersey at Real Madrid
Valverde will wear the No.8 next season and take the shirt number from Real Madrid icon Toni Kroos. The veteran German retired, and his last game came in Los Blancos' 2-0 win against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final (June 1).
The Uruguayan grew close with Kroos, 34, during their time together at the Bernabeu. He was in tears when learning of the 2014 FIFA World Cup winner's retirement, as he was his childhood idol.
Valverde opened up about taking No.8 and how Kroos offered it to him. He told The Residency podcast:
"What I experienced the day he said he wanted to give me his shirt will be a memory forever in my heart."
Kroos will go down as a Real Madrid legend after spending 10 glorious years in the Spanish capital. He won 23 major trophies at the Bernabeu, registering 28 goals and 99 assists in 465 games across competitions. Valverde is tasked with following in the German's footsteps, and he has similar attributes, such as his composure on the ball and eye for goal.