The Uruguayan had the offer of a lifetime. The Saudi Arabian League wanted to enlist him, but Valverde is very clear about it; for him, there is no amount of money that can outweigh the pride of wearing the captain's armband for Real Madrid.
Money is not everything, or at least there are footballers who still prioritize their sporting dreams. We cannot deceive ourselves, and money is a great incentive to fulfill the desires of the majority, but it is true that the position of some allows for certain 'luxuries'.
Fede Valverde has given more than enough evidence of being able to do without certain things in order to continue living a sporting dream that few in the world can achieve, which is that of one day being able to proudly wear the captain's armband for Real Madrid in full right. And that is something that his contract until 2029 brings closer to reality.
It is not the same to say it, as may be the case for many, as to renounce many millions of euros with which they could support their entire family for their entire existence. And all for touching the sporting sky. That's what the Uruguayan has done. In parallel, the leaders of Real Madrid and the midfielder's agent reached an agreement that facilitates that dream, which is none other than signing a contract valid until June 30, 2029, completing thirteen years at the Madrid club and eleven seasons in the first team of Real Madrid.
Mountains of bills
Saudi Arabia and its considerable wealth called on Valverde last summer. Other top-level European teams had done so before (especially Bayern), but he did not even consider it. Months ago, the doubts of some, not his own, arose from the immense amount of money that the Saudi League put on the table, and, in addition, the promise that is beginning to come true of offering an increasingly competitive championship.
A few days ago, the website 365 scores published an interview with Martín Campaña, Valverde's teammate in the national team, in which the silent renunciation of the Uruguayan was revealed. And all to proudly wear that armband with the shield of Real Madrid, the dream of the kid who arrived at Valdebebas without knowing the condition of the underwear of that day.
Many, starting with Carlo Ancelotti, believe that Valverde is destined to be the leader of Real Madrid. The Italian challenges him with goals. Last season's challenge was about the goals he had to contribute, a challenge surpassed with flying colors, to now 'force' him to be the complete midfielder, the one who can steal the ball in his own area and drive it to the opposite, the one who distributes and fights, the one who can set the rhythm of the game and break it, in other words, the total player.
