Federico Valverde has denied suggestions that he refused to play for Real Madrid during their Champions League win against Kairat on Tuesday.

Speaking before Madrid’s 5-0 victory in Kazakhstan, Valverde said, ‘I wasn’t born to play as a full-back’, when asked if he would deputise on the right side of defence in the absence of Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who were both unavailable due to injury.

Valverde was left as an unused substitute against Kairat and was noticeably subdued as he came out last for the warm-up and skipped the pre-match rondo. The 27-year-old was also seen standing alone with his hands behind his back during the second half while Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga warmed up nearby.

The Uruguay international insists he maintains a ‘good relationship’ with Alonso and says he will ‘fight until the end’ to secure his place in Madrid’s starting line-up.

‘I’ve read several articles that are damaging to me,’ Valverde said in a statement on Wednesday.

‘I know I’ve had bad games; I’m aware of that. I’m not hiding anything, and I’m showing my face.

‘I’m truly sad. They can say many things about me, but under no circumstances can they say that...