How Valverde turned down Arsenal move

Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde has disclosed the reasons behind his decision to reject an opportunity to join Arsenal, shedding light on the untold story from his football journey.

Valverde, who had a trial at Arsenal in 2016, ultimately chose to sign with Real Madrid from Penarol instead of joining the Premier League club.

Addressing the situation, the Uruguayan international explained his decision in a column for The Players’ Tribune, stating, “If you Google me, you will see stories about how I almost went to Arsenal when I was 16. That is maybe half-true.”

Valverde clarified that it wasn’t a reflection of any negative sentiment towards Arsenal but rather a personal choice not to move to England during that period in his career.

“It’s nothing against Arsenal, but I never wanted to go to England. At that time, the business side of football took over,” he expressed.

The midfielder detailed the conflicting pressures he faced during the decision-making process, with some emphasizing the appeal of playing for a prestigious club like Arsenal while others saw financial gains in his potential move.

“They sent me on trial to London for a week, and I just was not comfortable. If you only think of material things, it sounds great. But we are not robots,” Valverde explained.

The crux of his decision was revealed in the challenges associated with such a significant move at a young age: “The reality was that my family couldn’t come to London with me. I’d have to live alone, not speaking the language, at 16 years old. For every one kid who succeeds in moving overseas, you don’t see the 100 who fail.”

Valverde’s candid insights provide a unique perspective on the complex factors players consider beyond the pitch, offering a glimpse into the human side of football decisions.