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Real Madrid star Federico Valverde has denied suggestions he refused to play in their latest Champions League match and insisted he has a good relationship with boss Xabi Alonso.
Valverde was an unused substitute as Real Madrid were 5-0 winners over Champions League newcomers Kairat Almaty on Tuesday.
The Uruguayan star had attended the press conference on Monday, where he admitted he was not 'born to play right back' after suggestions he would fill in for the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal.
Spanish media focused on Valverde's behaviour during the match, with suggestions he had separated himself from fellow substitutes including Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga.
Marca highlighted Valverde standing with his arms behind his back during a warm-up in the second half, which saw him watching the action while his fellow substitutes went through their paces.
Bellingham was seen walking over to talk to Valverde in a clip, with the outlet claiming the midfielder had then sat down on the bench, having been aware he would not be called upon by Alonso.
Valverde has hit back in a statement on social media, denying reports of a rift with the Real Madrid boss and insisting he had not refused to play.
'I've read several articles that have damaged my character. I know I've had bad matches, I'm aware of that. I'm not hiding anything, and I'm open about it. I'm truly sad,' Valverde said.
'You can say many things about me, but under no circumstances can you say that I refuse to play. I've given everything and more for this club. I've played through fractures and injuries, and I've never complained or asked for a break.
'I have a good relationship with the coach, which makes me feel confident in being able to tell him what position I like the most on the field, but I always, always let him know that I am available to perform anywhere, on any trip and in all matches.
'I've put my soul into this club and I'll continue to do so, even if sometimes it's not enough or I'm not playing as I would like. I swear on my pride that I will never give up and I will fight until the end, playing wherever I am.'
Spanish outlets had highlighted Valverde's bold comments about his reluctance to play right back in the build-up to the match.
‘Playing right-back? I wasn't born to play right-back; I didn't grow up learning that position. It happened suddenly; playing well filled me with pride,' Valverde said pre-match.
‘I had doubts about whether I'd been lucky in those games. Playing right-back, I felt comfortable in those games, and we won many. Then, I played as a winger, and we won a Champions League. Also in midfield.
‘I don't feel comfortable because there are many qualities I lack, like the ability to close down the defense. But I always try to give my best and show attitude. I've always made it clear that I'm available for whatever the coach needs.’
Real Madrid midfielder Fran Garcia, speaking after their 5-0 victory on Tuesday, said 'I'm sure it bothers him' when asked about Valverde being an unused substitute.
Alonso had insisted that the decision to name Valverde on the bench had been taken prior to his comments in the pre-match press conference.
The Real Madrid boss also sought to play down concerns over Vinicius Jr's frustrated reaction to being substituted in the 70th minute of the match.
Footage had shown the Brazilian's frustration when informed by Alonso of his decision, with Vinicius seen throwing down a water bottle as he headed to the bench.
'You always have to manage anger and control it, so far nothing has happened,' Alonso said.
'Vini Jr. has not complained. It was a comment that wasn’t going there.'
