Nestor Goncálves, son of the legendary Peñarol captain 'Tito', was the key person for Valverde to leave behind the small baby football teams and join Peñarol. It has been five years since the midfielder signed for the white club. ACE a few months ago he was with his discoverer in Uruguay.
How do you discover Fede?
Guillermo Toribio – Gonzalo Franquelli
I have a network of scouts and they recommended me to go see a pive that was breaking it. He was eight years old and I was staring into his eyes. His eyes told me to give me more demand because I want more. He was always a boy who solved any type of problem. The more difficulty, the better performance it gives. I think in Madrid he is also showing it.
Was it difficult to sign him?
In his previous team they loved him a lot and I showed him that the best thing for him was to sign for Peñarol. He arrives with about nine years old and there he had to continue in the baby soccer category, then he already went to the club as such.
FOOTBALL 19/20
Guillermo Toribio – Gonzalo Franquelli (DIARIO AS)
Did you know I was going to star?
Yes! Outside the field it was very quiet, but inside it dazzled. The first thing I saw were impressions, it is always intuition that gives us that answer if it will come. In the case of Valverde, he saw different things, but later we detected the great evolution that he presents: his ability to absorb concepts, a tremendous disposition for training, attitude, a family that supports … It is a process where some stay and others grow.
What can you tell me about the Acacia wall?
Valverde at first was unable to train with his teammates due to a paperwork issue. So what I do is have him in front of a wall doing control exercises and pass. He trained at all hours in front of that wall.
FOOTBALL 19/20
Guillermo Toribio – Gonzalo Franquelli (DIARIO AS)
He never complained … really?
I never called his attention for bad behavior because he is very safe in the head. Everything that is placed in front of him perceives that he has the capacity to solve it. The tranquility with which he enters the court was always the same. It never drew attention.
I imagine that practice no longer does it in the garden …
If I had that wall, I'm sure I would continue doing it now because I know that everything can be improved.
Speaking of you. His father was a legend of Peñarol and he knew Fede well …
I am proud to be his son. I know that some of his wins like the nine Uruguayan championships and the three Copa Libertadores are very emotional for 'El Pajarito'. The first time Valverde trained with his teammates, my father was in an office near the court and he said I want to talk to you … I was surprised, he didn't know what he wanted to tell me. “Take care of that skinny guy,” he warned me.
Also, it's funny because his dad refused to play for Madrid …
He felt loved in Peñarol and had no need to change teams. My father did not know that Fede went to Real Madrid, but surely he would have jokingly told him that he sold himself in a good way.
What is Valverde's secret?
Her mom Doris. She was always first in training because they had a bus that arrived very soon and another that was fairer. It was raining and it was. It was cold and it was, they even wanted to come with a fever. Family education is an important part. It came from the family that had to come. Always the first … THe has a very strong head mom, that's what makes it possible for talent to remain talented.
Do you have any limits?
Much less has a roof. He is a kid who in Madrid shows he has tremendous ability. At the beginning, we wanted to make him score a goal and that was not his role, little by little he adapted to the player he is. Footballers are marked by titles. I hope that your future goes hand in hand with triumphs.
Are you happy in Madrid?
Very much. He has always shown that he has the level to be important and has an impeccable commitment to everyone. He knew how to take advantage of his opportunity and