Real Madrid's Federico Valverde explained to 'ESPN Uruguay' his decision not to take part in the penalty shootout against Manchester City. "It was because I was tired and because I think that in those moments the most important thing is the head.

"If you're not feeling well, you're not going to be less of a footballer for telling the truth. And I think at that moment you also have to get rid of that pride and that ego, and if I'm not ready for that moment, I'll leave it to another teammate."

As for the match in general, the Uruguayan offered his assessment: "I don't think I've ever finished a match so exhausted in my life! I was talking about it with my family, especially with my head," he claimed.

Meanwhile, Valverde had good words for his coach Carlo Ancelotti: "For me he is the most important person I have in football today.

"Not only for everything he gives me on a football level, but for everything he gives me on a human level, always asking if me and my family are well, that's the most important thing. He is so close that he makes you feel as if you were a family member."

Finally, he made a balance of the season and what is left: "The year is coming along spectacularly, we are in the best of times, even if there is a lot of tiredness or fatigue on a physical and mental level, the best is yet to come. We have worked all year for these moments, and we have to enjoy them".