Federico Valverde, one of the most complete midfielders in world football, has opened up about his future beyond Real Madrid and revealed the two clubs that hold a special place in his heart: Peñarol and River Plate.
On the YouTube program Terapia Picante, the Uruguayan international gave personal reflections on his upbringing, his football career and where he envisions himself when his time in European football ultimately comes to an end.
Despite now being a key figure at Real Madrid, having developed into a versatile and influential player, Valverde has made it clear that his long-term ambitions are deeply rooted in South American football and his personal legacy, rather than financial gain.
“I loved Pierroll, my whole family were Pierroll fans and we went to the stadium as much as we could.
I want to finish my career as a football player by winning something important in Peñarol and in Uruguay,” said the midfielder.
His emotional connection to the peer roll with whom he started his professional career remains strong.
For Valverde, his return will not only be symbolic, but also the realization of a lifelong dream linked to family, identity and national pride.
The return of a dream made of loyalty and passion
Although Peñarol appears to be his final destination, Valverde also admitted his deep admiration for River Plate, one of Argentina’s oldest clubs.
His love for the Buenos Aires side stems from his childhood, when access to live football in Uruguay shaped his viewing habits.
“I want to arrive in good health. I don’t want to go there to steal money. In fact, I will even go to Pierroll for free, but not to the river,” he explained.
This statement underlines both his loyalty to Peñarol and his respect for River Plate, while also underscoring his desire to contribute meaningfully and not simply extend his career for financial reasons.
“To help you understand why there’s so much talk about River and why I’m wearing the River Plate shirt, it’s because not everyone gets to watch Uruguayan football at home, it’s pay-per-view. But that was the case with Argentine football. Even though I didn’t get to see Peñarol, I watched River Plate every weekend. So I’ve always been a big fan, because I grew up watching River. Argentine football was the best for me.
Beyond his club loyalty, Valverde also reflected on the people who shaped his early career. He praised his former coach Pablo Javier Bengoechea, who mentored him during his formative years at Piaroll.
“I consider myself very positive now because of his personality and attitude towards me, but I have learned that I have to have patience, perseverance, humility and realize that the path is not always easy and that I have to recognize where I am and who I am with. He helped me understand that opportunities come when the time comes. I spent six months training with the team without playing, and I’m grateful that I didn’t play today because I wasn’t physically or mentally ready to play in the first division for Peñarol,” he declared.
Valverde continues to compete at the highest level for Real Madrid, but his comments provide a rare glimpse into the global star’s personal motivations.
Although his present remains firmly in Europe, his heart seems set on a return to South America in the future, where passion, identity and heritage outweigh all else.
