Pedro Porro prioritises Tottenham respect despite Real Madrid and Barcelona interest

Pedro Porro says he chose to settle his contract situation with Tottenham Hotspur before the 2026 World Cup so he could concentrate fully on Spain’s campaign.

The Tottenham Hotspur defender was speaking on El Larguero, broadcast by Cadena SER, in comments reported by AS. He acknowledged that Real Madrid and Barcelona had made enquiries about his circumstances, but said there had been no genuine approach and that he had not wanted to consider offers.

“Did I know Real Madrid and Barcelona might be interested in signing me? I had resolved the issue of renewing my contract before the World Cup, so I could have peace of mind and focus,” Porro said.

“There is interest because some clubs ask about your situation, but there was no real interest. I also did not want to listen to any offers.”

Porro expects Tottenham Hotspur would place a significant valuation on him if they were asked to consider a transfer.

“Absolutely, because they value me as one of the best players,” he said. “In the end, it is like everything in life: the best always costs more.”

The Spain international also stressed that discussing other clubs would be disrespectful while he remains under contract with Tottenham Hotspur. However, he reiterated his long-term wish to return to his homeland.

“It would be very unfair to talk about matters unrelated to Spurs because, in the end, I am under contract with them,” Porro said. “The respect they have shown me is mutual. I have always said that I would like to return to Spain because it is my country, and that would make me very happy.”

Porro added that he believed his ability to adapt meant he could fit into any team, rather than identifying one particular club as the best match for his style.

“I consider myself a player who can adapt to every team. I adapted to the Premier League, and that is not easy,” he said. “I can adapt to any side, and I will leave it at that.”

He also reflected on Ferran Torres’ contribution during Spain’s World Cup campaign, saying he had encouraged his team-mate to remain patient before Torres took his opportunity.

“During the World Cup, I told him two or three times to stay calm because, in football, things return to their proper place and his chance would come,” Porro said. “He took it to the fullest.”

Porro described Dani Carvajal as the outstanding right-back in Real Madrid’s history and said he was delighted to receive a message from him before the World Cup.

“Dani Carvajal is the best right-back to have played for Real Madrid, by a long way,” he said. “I was also very happy when he sent me a message before the World Cup.”

On Federico Valverde’s performances at right-back, Porro said the Real Madrid player could excel anywhere, although he believed Valverde was even more effective in midfield.

“He can play wherever you want. He is a beast and an exceptional player in every sense. I admire him a lot,” Porro said. “In his natural position, he can perform much better. There are currently very few midfielders with his physical power, quality, ability to reach the box and capacity to score goals.”

Porro said he was surprised by Marcos Llorente’s decision to retire from international football after Spain’s celebrations, but respected it.

“I found out after the celebrations. Everyone is free to manage their life in the way that suits them,” he said. “It shocked me a little because he still has a lot to offer, but you respect his decision.”