Hat-trick hero Fede Valverde spoke after the final whistle of Real Madrid’s 3-0 Chanpions League last 16 first leg victory to say that the game was “definitely (the best of his career), especially in terms of goals. I really enjoyed myself today. It’s been a while since I’ve enjoyed myself this much. I’m happy and excited about the team’s victory”.
Fede Valverde on his performance
“Incredible, you dream of nights like this. I want to thank my teammates for giving me the confidence I need to stay in good spirits, as well as the coaching
staff and the fans, who are always supporting us. It’s a difficult season and they always support us. We appreciate it.”
Fede Valverde on playing almost like a striker
“That’s what I try to do, it’s what the coach asks of me, to come from the second line, to attack. Today we had a lot more players to get the ball and I tried to attack more. My teammates gave me some incredible balls, I thank them.”
Fede Valverde on the game plan
“We had trained a lot, especially on goal kicks. They press one-on-one and there was space behind to run into. We are fast and it worked well.”
Fede Valverde on a compact team performance
“We have to treat each other like brothers, defend each other, help each other, watch each other’s backs. You can tell when the team is united. If we work together, we can achieve great things. We were tired in the final minutes, but the team kept working.”
Fede Valverde on whether the tie is decided
“We know it’s very difficult in Manchester. They press a lot, and their fans put pressure on us. We have to go there as if it were 0-0 and work hard.”
