Federico Valverde has revealed how he spent time on trial at Arsenal, who missed the chance to sign the midfielder before his move to Real Madrid.
Valverde has evolved into one of Europe’s top midfielders since signing for Real Madrid, having joined the club from Peñarol for a fee of just £4.5m in 2016.
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The Uruguay international has now revealed how he spent time on trial at Arsenal before his switch to Spain, discussing how former Gunners forward Alexis Sanchez was one of ‘the few’ who helped him settle during his short time in north London.
“I have always been grateful to him. When I went to train at Arsenal, Alexis was there and he was one of the few who came up to help me,” Valverde said, as the the Mirror.
“I will always be grateful to him because, being a nobody, I was well-received by him. He was there to help me when I was a kid. As a footballer, he is an incredible player.”
Valverde was linked with a move to the Premier League during the summer transfer window, but said he has no interest in leaving ‘the best club in the world’.
No, no. I’m at Madrid and I’m trying to enjoy every moment and leave my mark on the best club in the world,” he told ESPN Argentina. “I want to keep winning titles for the Real Madrid fans.”
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