BREAKING NEWS: Fede Valverde releases statement addressing claims he refused to play for Real Madrid and rumours of rift with Xabi Alonso

Federico Valverde claims he has never refused to play for Real Madrid and insisted he has a “good relationship” with coach Xabi Alonso following rumours of a rift between the pair.

The Uruguay international was an unused substitute in last night’s 5-0 Champions League win at Kairat Almaty, prompting suggestions of a fall-out with the Madrid boss.

But, in a statement today, Valverde said: “I have read several articles damaging my reputation. I know I’ve had bad games, I’m aware of it. I’m not hiding, and I face the criticism head-on.

“I’m truly sad. People can say many things about me, but under no circumstances can they say that I refuse to play. I have given everything and more for this club, I’ve played while fractured, injured, and I’ve never complained or asked for a break.

“I have a good relationship with the coach, which makes me feel confident enough to tell him which position I prefer on the pitch, but I always, always made it clear that I’m available to perform anywhere, on any trip, and in every game.

“I’ve left my heart and soul in this club and I will continue to do so, even if sometimes it’s not enough or I’m not playing as I’d like. I swear on my pride that I will never give up and will fight until the end, playing wherever I’m needed.”

Valverde faced the media before Kairat clash

Valverde had to face questions on Monday from the media relating to rumours over the weekend that he had refused to fill in as an emergency right-back due to injuries to Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold. He batted them off and insisted he would “die for the shirt”.

He did admit, however, that the position did not come naturally to him and that he “didn’t grow up playing there”. That remark raised a few eyebrows but was largely dismissed and the Uruguayan’s appearance at the press conference, and his role as captain in the absence of Carvajal, naturally led to the assumption he would start and wear the armband against Kairat at the Central Stadium.

However, when the teams were announced and Valverde was among the substitutes, it indicated at an issue, even more so when the former Penarol midfielder didn’t join his colleagues for the pe-match warm-up.

Valverde sat isolated on the bench during the game and, when asked to warm-up in the second half, stood motionless on the touchline with his hands behind his back.

Asked about Valverde afterwards, Alonso insisted there was no problem and said Valverde’s omission was simply due to managing his load.

The Madrid boss said: “It was a decision that was made before the press conference [on Monday]. He [Valverde] is always willing to play wherever he’s needed. He’s very generous and willing. If the game had required it, he’d have played.

“The game was decided in the second half, and we have to pace our efforts because both he and [Alvaro] Carreras were seeing a slot of big loads [in previous games].”

‘Alonso was vindictive’ – Gomez

Despite Alonso’s assurances, the Madrid media were in conspiracy mode this morning.

Journalist Roberto Gómez told Radio Marca: “Alonso was very vindictive with what he did to Valverde. It’s been years since I heard a Real Madrid footballer talk about commitment and attitude that later does not play. It seems to me an internal issue after what happened at the Metropolitano.

“I was annoyed by Xabi Alonso’s attitude towards the captain of Real Madrid.”

Madrid are next in action on Saturday when Villarreal are the visitors to the Santiago Bernabéu.