Star of Real Madrid Faith Valverde has become part of the furniture in the Santiago Bernabeu, looking for a space in the side for himself in recent years. A fan favorite, he never lacks for work-rate, and his grit has been key in his Champions League victories in recent years. A grain that could be used in the Emirates.
Valverde revealed that at the age of just 16, shortly before he was signed by Real Madrid, Arsenal had a chance to sign him. The Gunners had Valverde on trial while he was at Penarol.
“I was 16 years old. They invited me to train for a week with the first team. I imagined a whole future here. When I arrived in England it was very nice. Seeing the clothes they had for training… It was another world . I enjoyed that week. I don't know if he remembers me, but El Dibu was one of those who helped me the most in everything,” he said to Universo Valdano, as quoted by AS Diary.
“I speak little on the way. Maybe I won't give you a speech like Diego Godin, which made you come out almost crying. We are different leaders.”
Fede Valverde to Universo Valdano. #RealMadrid #AtleticoMadrid #Uruguay pic.twitter.com/1y5N9Y8gkj
— Football España (@footballespana_) November 19, 2024
“He was the first to approach me, with Bellerin, Alexis Sanchez or Cazorla. In a few months, I already trained in the first team of Penarol.
Valverde reportedly managed just 13 appearances before being recruited by Los Blancos, and spent a year at Real Madrid Castilla. A loan at Deportivo La Coruna was made for him, and after a slow start, he began to make inroads into the Real Madrid first team. Los Blancos will be grateful Arsenal didn't end up making the move.
