UCL: ‘It’s a shame you don’t have Brazilian passport’ – Ancelotti tells Real Madrid’s Valverde
Former Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has expressed regret that midfielder Federico Valverde does not hold a Brazilian passport. Ancelotti, who currently serves as the head coach of the Brazil national football team, communicated his sentiment to the Uruguayan international following Valverde’s impressive hat-trick in the Champions League match against Manchester City last week.
“I sent a message to Fede Valverde, telling him: It is a shame you don’t have a Brazilian passport,” Ancelotti said in an interview with Marca.
The two have a history, as Ancelotti coached Valverde during his tenure with Real Madrid. In their past conversations, Ancelotti noted a friendly wager he made with the midfielder, saying he would relinquish his coaching license if Valverde did not score at least 10 goals in a season.
Valverde now looks to continue his strong form as Real Madrid prepares for the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 against Manchester City.
