Carvajal says Getafe move restored his love of football after injury setback

Dani Carvajal has revealed that a “scary” experience during negotiations with Al Gharafa and a desire to feel like a footballer again convinced him to leave Real Madrid for Getafe in summer 2026.

The former Real Madrid captain, who is now playing under Jose Bordalas, said his decision was driven by football rather than money after a year on the sidelines with injury. Speaking to Manu Carreno on Cadena SER’s El Larguero, Carvajal said he had missed the game during the past two years.

“Those who know me understand that football is my life,” he said. “I wanted to feel like a player again. I believe I can continue playing for several years and I want to keep enjoying it.”

Carvajal suffered a serious injury at the Santiago Bernabeu, an incident he says he has watched back “hundreds of times”. He believes it affected his level at Real Madrid and ultimately prevented him from playing at the 2026 World Cup.

He said he had considered several options during a long summer but was motivated by the challenge of helping Getafe fight for survival.

“I have spent my whole life playing for teams that fight to win,” he said. “I always wondered what it would be like to play for a side battling to stay up. That motivated me greatly, and that is Getafe’s current objective.”

Carvajal said salary was not a decisive factor and criticised La Liga’s wage regulations, describing them as “ridiculous” now, despite previously believing they were logical. He thanked Getafe’s president for providing assurances which allowed the club to raise its wage limit.

He also disclosed that his move to Al Gharafa had been close to completion. “I experienced the war at close quarters with my brother-in-law Joselu in Qatar,” he said. “When something affects you personally, it becomes a little frightening.”

Asked about reports of a strained relationship with Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa, Carvajal declined to elaborate. “That question should be put to Alvaro, because he is the person best placed to explain those comments,” he said.

He added that he had accepted Arbeloa’s decisions over his playing time, despite having spent most of his career as a regular starter and having his World Cup place and contract renewal at stake.

Carvajal also played down a reported dispute between Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni, saying arguments had happened many times at Real Madrid. His concern, he said, was that the incident had been leaked to the media only half an hour later.

On the right-back position, he said the choice between Denzel Dumfries, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Valverde would depend on each match. He praised new arrival Yan Diomande for his defensive contribution and attacking quality.

Carvajal said he would represent Getafe against Real Madrid, although he hoped Getafe’s survival and Real Madrid’s title had already been secured. He would be satisfied with a warm reception at the Bernabeu.

He also praised Real Madrid’s 2-1 win at Camp Nou, calling it a fast-paced match and saying Jose Mourinho’s approach had been brave. Carvajal added that Barcelona’s high defensive line could leave them vulnerable against top sides.