Fede Valverde explains bandage on right hand and a possible renewed ‘bet’ with Ancelotti

Real Madrid’s dynamic midfielder, Federico Valverde, made headlines at the weekend as he scored a brilliant goal in the win over Real Sociedad.

However, what’s even more intriguing is the wager he had with his manager, Carlo Ancelotti, about his goal-scoring prowess during the 2022/2023 season.

Last season, Valverde and Ancelotti entered into a bet that would have significant consequences for the coach if Valverde failed to meet a particular goal-scoring target.

If Valverde didn’t score at least ten goals during the 2022/23 campaign, Ancelotti would have to give up his coaching license. This bet added an extra layer of excitement to Valverde’s performance on the pitch.

Fortunately for both Valverde and Ancelotti, the Uruguayan international exceeded all expectations during the 2022/2023 season.

He managed to score an impressive 12 goals in all competitions, which was twice as many as he had scored in any of his previous four seasons at the club combined.

This remarkable goal-scoring spree not only secured his place on the team but also saved Ancelotti’s coaching career.

Valverde kicked off the current season with a bang, scoring a typically brilliant goal in the 47th minute of the match against Real Sociedad.

This goal demonstrated his continued commitment to contributing to the team’s success through his scoring abilities.

However, when asked if he would repeat the wager with Ancelotti for this season, Valverde remained cautious.

He stated: “Until I score a couple of goals, I’m not going to bet anything. If not, I’ll be in hot water. I try to contribute however I can. When you score goals, it helps you work harder and be more motivated.”

In addition to his goal-scoring exploits, Valverde also revealed that he is currently playing through an injury. He suffered a fracture during training in a duel with a teammate but remains determined to play through the pain.

Regarding playing with a bandage on his right hand recently, he emphasized: “It hurts, but I can play, and that’s the important thing.” This resilience and dedication to the team’s cause make Valverde a valuable asset for Real Madrid.

Real Madrid fans can look forward to seeing Valverde in action once again as the team faces off against Champions League debutants Union Berlin this midweek.

With his goal-scoring ability and unwavering commitment, Federico Valverde continues to be a key player for Real Madrid under the management of Carlo Ancelotti.