“I’m always proud to wear this shirt even if I’m tired” - Real Madrid star sends message to Carlo Ancelotti after win in Copa del Rey clash

Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde has expressed his delight and pride at representing the club after featuring in the Copa del Rey win over Deportivo Minera. Los Blancos emerged comfortable winners over the fourth division outfit, claiming a 5-0 win to progress to the Round of 16 in the competition.

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti rang the changes for the clash against the minnows at their Cartagonova home but kept all-action midfielder Valverde in the starting XI. The Uruguay international featured for the first half, finding the net for his side before getting a deserved rest at the break. He spoke with the media after the clash, pointing out that he feels pride at the opportunity to continue to feature for the club, even in tiredness.

“I'm glad that Carlo Ancelotti always considers me to start. I’m always proud to wear this shirt even if I'm tired, I'm always happy.”

Federico Valverde has been a mainstay in the Real Madrid team this season, once again proving his durability in Carlo Ancelotti's side. The 26-year-old has already made 27 appearances for Los Blancos this season, with seven goals and two assists to his name in 2,282 minutes of action.

Valverde has featured for the side in a number of positions under Ancelotti, playing as a winger or central midfielder when injuries have struck the side. The Uruguayan has also featured at right-back for his side this season when Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez were injured, due to his versatility and quality.

Real Madrid stroll to win over Deportivo Minera in Copa del Rey

Real Madrid picked up a convincing 5-0 win over fourth-tier Deportivo Minera in their Copa del Rey Round of 32:clash in Cartagena. The reigning LaLiga champions continued their fine form, extending their unbeaten run to seven games across all competitions this season.

Federico Valverde opened the scoring after just five minutes with a well-taken volley before Eduardo Camavinga headed home his side's second just eight minutes later. Turkish teenager Arda Guler made the most of a rare start for him as he scored his side's third in the 28th minute via a huge deflection.

Captain Luka Modric added a fourth ten minutes into the second half, scoring his first-ever Copa del Rey goal 13 years after making his debut in the competition. Guler scored his second and his side's fifth in the 88th minute to help them see out a convincing 5-0 win. The duo of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr appeared as second-half substitutes, while Lorenzo Aguado, Diego Aguado, and Chema Andres debuted.