Federico Valverde has made clear he intends to squeeze every lesson he can from José Mourinho as the two prepare for their first pre-season together at Real Madrid.

The Uruguayan midfielder, 26, spoke with purpose after being elevated to club captain — a role that carries deep meaning for him and one he does not take lightly.

A student under a special manager

"I'm really looking forward to learning from him," Valverde told Real Madrid TV. "I want to listen to every piece of advice he gives me and make the most of every second or minute of every training session I get to share with him and his coaching staff."

Valverde described Mourinho as a figure capable of shaping him both on and off the pitch. "I'm going to try to learn and grow as a person and as a footballer," he said. "He's a special person from whom I can learn a great deal. I hope it's a great season."

Trophies the priority after a lean spell

With Real Madrid enduring a trophyless run in recent seasons, Valverde is driven by the desire to bring silverware back to the Bernabéu faithful. "What we want most is to win trophies this year," he said. "We want the Real Madrid fans to be happy, to enjoy a year full of trophies, and to be proud of us."

Honour and emotion in the captaincy

Valverde described the weight of the armband in striking terms, recalling how the recognition stops him in everyday life. "I feel really moved and deeply honoured," he said. "Whenever anyone stops me in the street or within my circle of friends says that to me, it really fills you with pride and emotion."

He reflected on the journey that brought him to this moment — the highs, the setbacks, and the teammates who wore the armband before him. "You think back on everything that's happened: the good times, the bad times… And now the time has come to be first captain," Valverde said. "I've learnt a great deal from all the teammates who've been captains here. They've always given me incredible support, and I'm going to make the most of that to grow alongside the coaching staff."