Real Madrid star speaks about his failed trial at Arsenal.

Federico Valverde, the great midfielder for Real Madrid and one of the finest in the game, has cemented his place as a key member of the team, helping them win La Liga and the UEFA Champions League in 2022.

Nevertheless, Valverde’s career might have gone in a different direction after trying out for Arsenal; he recently discussed this in his Players’ Tribune blog after Real Madrid extended his contract.

The gifted Uruguayan, whose real name is Alejandro Valverde, has stated that he has no personal grudge against Arsenal. Rather, at the age of sixteen, he was uncomfortable with the thought of moving to a new city and, not knowing anyone in English, he proceeded with the trial but was not signed by Arsenal, which was then led by Arsene Wenger. Valverde has since disclosed that outside factors and financial pressures had an impact on his decision to go through with the trial. The appeal of the Premier League’s wealth and the possibility of financial gain for those around him were powerful motivators.

“If you Google me, you will see stories about how I almost went to Arsenal when I was 16,” claimed the midfielder. That may be partially accurate. I never wanted to travel to England, not because I had anything against Arsenal. Football’s commercial side took over at that point. Some were saying to me, ‘Who wouldn’t want to go play for Arsenal? Do you intend to remain in Uruguay? That is absurd! In reality, they were muttering something like, “If you leave, we can all make a lot of money.”

“In football, you come to understand that your life is not your own. You feel more like a hostage, especially when you’re younger. Your family even ends up as a captive. The vultures understand that football offers an escape to a better life, particularly for those of us in South America. ‘Damn, Fede, if you go to Arsenal, you’ll get a wonderful bed and a shower that remains warm for 30, 40 minutes!’ is how they “nicely” put pressure on you. Who wouldn’t desire such a life? I didn’t feel at ease when they sent me to London for a week-long trial. It sounds wonderful if all you can think about is material stuff. We are not robots, though. In actuality, my family was unable to travel to London with me. At sixteen, I would have to live alone and not speak the language. You don’t see the 100 kids who fail to relocate overseas for every one who succeeds.”

That following year, Valverde moved from Penarol to Real Madrid, where he has since prospered. Having won two La Liga titles and the UEFA Champions League in 2021–2022, he recently agreed to a contract extension through 2029 that included a huge $1.07 billion release clause.