Valverde admits Uruguay's failure in the World Cup: "I wasn't up to the task"
Federico Valverde broke his silence after Uruguay's elimination in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup. In a post on social media, the Real Madrid midfielder vented, took responsibility for the team's performance and stated that he still hasn't managed to overcome yet another early dismissal from the team in a World Cup.
In a black and white photo wearing the Uruguayan national team's shirt, Valverde classified the elimination as a "wound that remains open", also referring to Uruguay's campaign in the World Cup in Qatar, when the team also fell in the first phase.
"It's been several days since the elimination and I'm only now able to start processing everything I've experienced, even though I know there's a part of me that will possibly never be able to overcome another elimination in the first phase. That wound is still open," he wrote.
The player stated that he did everything in his power to arrive prepared for the tournament, but acknowledged that the effort was not enough to avoid a disappointing campaign.
"I accept the defeat. I accept full responsibility for not being able to fulfill my duty to the team and to you. I accept the failure and I know that I was not up to the task", he declared.
Despite his frustration, Valverde assured that he will continue to defend the celestial shirt and promised to continue working to restore Uruguay among the main teams in world football.
"Under no circumstances will I give up representing my country, even if it costs me my life. I don't know how or when, but I swear on my life that I will not leave this team without taking it to the highest level", he added.
The Uruguayan team ended their participation in the World Cup with just two points, the result of draws against Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia. The campaign was also marked by behind-the-scenes turmoil involving then coach Marcelo Bielsa and squad leaders.
Without Germany, Brazil remains at the top of the list of World Cup champions
Source: CNN