Valverde: “We're motivated to keep up this run of wins and good form'
“When you train with Modric and Kroos every day you try and watch them and get all you can from them as a footballer,' said the midfielder.
Valverde spoke to the press at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium just prior to the team's final training session ahead of the Champions League matchday two Group Stage clash with Napoli: 'It's vitally important to continue the winning run in the Champions League against a historic football club. We're motivated to keep up this run of wins and good form. We can't wait for tomorrow so we can keep winning games.'
“The midfield has been incredible ever since the day I arrived. Modrić, Kroos, Casemiro were here, and Isco as well. I thought it was the best midfield in the history of football and I've done my best to learn from each of the virtues they had. I tried to get the very best I could out of them. You try and watch them and get all you can from them so you can keep growing as a player. I got so much from Casemiro, all sorts of habits that really helped me mature. It's difficult to play here, you're with the best in the world and I have to keep battling hard and appreciate that. I try to teach the young players the same thing that they taught me.”
Do you think it's the best midfield in the world?
“We each have our qualities and we're among the best in the world. Every player tries to give their best every day and that helps us all grow. Whoever gets to play gives it their all and that means there is healthy competition which helps the club to grow. If we continue like this we're going to have a very tough team to beat.'
Modrić
'He's the same as ever and for me he's been an example in the dressing room since day one. We're all pulling in the same direction and he never throws a tantrum. He's a warrior in the world of football and one of the most competitive guys I've ever seen. He's still making history in football and at Real Madrid and he's an example, especially for the youngsters who take so much from him. We have to keep enjoying and learning from him.'
“The midfield has been incredible ever since the day I arrived. Modrić, Kroos, Casemiro were here, and Isco as well. I thought it was the best midfield in the history of football and I've done my best to learn from each of the virtues they had. I tried to get the very best I could out of them. You try and watch them and get all you can from them so you can keep growing as a player. I got so much from Casemiro, all sorts of habits that really helped me mature. It's difficult to play here, you're with the best in the world and I have to keep battling hard and appreciate that. I try to teach the young players the same thing that they taught me.”
Do you think it's the best midfield in the world?
“We each have our qualities and we're among the best in the world. Every player tries to give their best every day and that helps us all grow. Whoever gets to play gives it their all and that means there is healthy competition which helps the club to grow. If we continue like this we're going to have a very tough team to beat.'
Modrić
'He's the same as ever and for me he's been an example in the dressing room since day one. We're all pulling in the same direction and he never throws a tantrum. He's a warrior in the world of football and one of the most competitive guys I've ever seen. He's still making history in football and at Real Madrid and he's an example, especially for the youngsters who take so much from him. We have to keep enjoying and learning from him.'
The new system
“I'm feeling better than ever. I'm doing a good job but when you've been used to the same system for years... You try and adapt and keep learning. With a coach like this, you have to soak it in and admire him. I am learning and growing all the time. It can be difficult at times because there are games when they attack us and we have to change the system like against Girona.'
Becoming Real Madrid captain
“It's a goal and a dream I've had since I signed. To set an example and someone to look up to, like Carvajal, Modrić or Kroos. We look up to them and try to emulate them and take all we can. I have been captain for Uruguay and it's one of the greatest feelings in my life. I would love to feel that for Madrid.'
Bellingham
“Players who are destined to leave their mark or to define an era have certain characteristics. He's been playing for top teams for many years already, but Real Madrid is another step up. He has coped with it superbly and seems like a very mature player, it's as if he's been playing here for years. We know what a great player he is and he's a special person too. He's a fantastic teammate and has a very good head on his shoulders. He definitely has good people around him and I think he can be an era-defining captain at Real Madrid in the future.'
The past year
“I'm not going to dwell on my family life because they were hard times I went through with my wife and I don't wish that on anyone. They are part of life. Obstacles come up. You have to stay positive and I tried to focus on football, on Real Madrid and the World Cup. We won the Copa del Rey and it was a nice end to the year that helped me forget what we experienced. It helped me grow and mature as a person. There are moments you don't expect but you have to move on, surround yourself with the people close to you and the ones who give you what you need to keep having faith in life and working hard.'
“I'm feeling better than ever. I'm doing a good job but when you've been used to the same system for years... You try and adapt and keep learning. With a coach like this, you have to soak it in and admire him. I am learning and growing all the time. It can be difficult at times because there are games when they attack us and we have to change the system like against Girona.'
Becoming Real Madrid captain
“It's a goal and a dream I've had since I signed. To set an example and someone to look up to, like Carvajal, Modrić or Kroos. We look up to them and try to emulate them and take all we can. I have been captain for Uruguay and it's one of the greatest feelings in my life. I would love to feel that for Madrid.'
Bellingham
“Players who are destined to leave their mark or to define an era have certain characteristics. He's been playing for top teams for many years already, but Real Madrid is another step up. He has coped with it superbly and seems like a very mature player, it's as if he's been playing here for years. We know what a great player he is and he's a special person too. He's a fantastic teammate and has a very good head on his shoulders. He definitely has good people around him and I think he can be an era-defining captain at Real Madrid in the future.'
The past year
“I'm not going to dwell on my family life because they were hard times I went through with my wife and I don't wish that on anyone. They are part of life. Obstacles come up. You have to stay positive and I tried to focus on football, on Real Madrid and the World Cup. We won the Copa del Rey and it was a nice end to the year that helped me forget what we experienced. It helped me grow and mature as a person. There are moments you don't expect but you have to move on, surround yourself with the people close to you and the ones who give you what you need to keep having faith in life and working hard.'