Federico Valverde, one of the most complete midfielders in world football, has opened up about his future beyond Real Madrid, revealing two clubs that hold a special place in his heart: Penarol and River Plate.

Speaking on the YouTube program Terapia Picante, the Uruguay international shared personal reflections on his upbringing, his footballing journey, and where he envisions himself when his time in European football eventually comes to an end.

Despite currently being a key figure for Real Madrid, where he has developed into a versatile and high-impact player, Valverde made it clear that his long-term ambitions are deeply rooted in South American football and personal legacy rather than financial gain.

"I love Peñarol, my whole family were Peñarol fans and we went to the stadium whenever we could.

I would love to end my football career by winning something important with Penarol and with Uruguay," said the midfielder.

His emotional connection to Peñarol, where he began his professional career, remains strong.

For Valverde, a return would not just be symbolic, it would represent the fulfillment of a lifelong dream tied to family, identity, and national pride.

A dream return shaped by loyalty and passion

While Penarol appears to be his ultimate destination, Valverde also acknowledged a deep admiration for River Plate, one of Argentina's most historic clubs.

His affection for the Buenos Aires side stems from his childhood, when access to football broadcasts in Uruguay shaped his viewing habits.

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"I'd like to arrive healthy, I wouldn't want to go there to steal money, in fact, I'd even go to Peñarol for free, but not to River," he explained.

The statement highlights both his loyalty to Penarol and his respect for River Plate, while also underlining his desire to contribute meaningfully rather than simply extend his career for financial reasons.

"To help people understand why there's so much talk about River and why I have River Plate jerseys, it's because at home, Uruguayan football wasn't shown to everyone; it was pay-per-view. Argentine football was, though. I could never watch Penarol, but I watched River Plate every weekend. That's why I've always been a big fan, because I grew up watching it. For me, Argentine football was the best," he added.

Beyond club loyalties, Valverde also reflected on the figures who shaped his early career. He credited former coach Pablo Javier Bengoechea for guiding him during his formative years at Peñarol.

"Because of his personality and his attitude towards me, which I now see as very positive, I learned to have that perseverance, that patience, that humility, to know that the road isn't always easy and that one must be aware of where one is and who one is with. He helped me mature and understand that opportunities arise when they are meant to. I spent six months training with the team without playing, and today I am grateful that I didn't play, because I didn't have the physique or the mentality to play in Penarol's First Division," he affirmed.

As Valverde continues to compete at the highest level with Real Madrid, his comments offer a rare glimpse into the personal motivations of a global star.

While his present remains firmly in Europe, his heart appears set on a future return to South America, where passion, identity, and legacy outweigh everything else.