Valverde hails ‘special’ Mourinho as Real Madrid begin new era under Portuguese coach

Federico Valverde has described Jose Mourinho as a “special person” and says he is “very excited and proud” to start a new season at Real Madrid under the Portuguese manager.

The Uruguay midfielder returned to pre-season training with the Spanish champions on Wednesday morning – a session that coincided with his birthday – as Madrid step up preparations for the 2026-27 campaign.

Mourinho was appointed earlier this summer as head coach at the Santiago Bernabeu, marking his return to the club more than a decade after his first spell in charge.

‘Best club in the world’

Speaking to the club’s in-house TV channel, Valverde underlined his attachment to Real Madrid and the significance of staying in the Spanish capital for another year.

He said: “سعيد جدا بوجودي هنا لعام اخر في افضل ناد في العالم والمكان الذي حلمت به منذ ان كنت طفلا”.

The 28-year-old added that marking his birthday at the training ground with his team-mates was a reminder of how special the environment is for him.

والت “الاحتفال بيوم ميلادي هنا مع زملايي ومع المجموعة باكملها امر جميل جدا ومثير”.

Learning under Mourinho

Valverde stressed that working under Mourinho, one of the most decorated and high-profile coaches in modern football, represents a major opportunity in his career.

وتابع “ساحاول التعلم والنمو كشخص وكلاعب كرة قدم مع الطاقم الفني”.

He went on to highlight the impact Mourinho has already had on him personally and the expectations he carries into the new season.

واكمل “اعتقد ان مورينيو شخص مميز بالنسبة لي حتى استخلص منه الكثير واتعلم واتمنى ان يكون موسما جميلا، اشعر بالحماس الكبير والفخر العظيم”.

Mourinho’s arrival has raised anticipation among Madrid supporters, with the club aiming to build on recent domestic and European successes. Valverde, who has become a key figure in the team’s midfield in recent seasons, is expected to play a central role in the Portuguese coach’s plans.

Titles the only target

Valverde made clear that, for him and his team-mates, measuring success this season will come down to one thing: trophies.

واتم “ما نرغب به جميعا ليس انا فقط بل الفريق باكمله هو رفع الالقاب هذ العام، نريد ان تكون جماهيرنا سعداء وان يستمتعوا بسنة مليية بالالقاب وان يكونوا فخورين بنا”.

Real Madrid are again expected to challenge on multiple fronts in 2026-27, including La Liga and the Champions League, as well as domestic cup competitions.

Birthday return after World Cup break

The midfielder’s first day back at the Valdebebas training complex came after a post-World Cup rest period. Valverde represented Uruguay at the recent tournament before rejoining his club.

وعاد فالفيردي لتدريبات ريال مدريد صباح اليوم الاربعاء تزامنا مع عيد ميلاده، وذلك عقب نهاية فترة الراحة التي حصل عليها بعد مشاركته في كاس العالم.

With Mourinho now installed and senior players such as Valverde back in the fold, Real Madrid’s preparations for the new campaign have begun in earnest, as the club look to deliver, in Valverde’s words, “a year full of trophies” for their supporters.