The Return of the 'Special One' Ignites New Energy! Valverde: Determined to Absorb Every Ounce of Knowledge from Mourinho

Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde is eagerly anticipating the return of "The Special One" Jose Mourinho to the Bernabeu bench, firmly believing this partnership will bring him abundant growth.

As captain of the Uruguayan national team, Valverde returned to the club for pre-season training on Wednesday after his World Cup group-stage exit. He is thrilled that Mourinho is taking charge of Real Madrid for a second time — the Portuguese replaced Alvaro Arbeloa in May, becoming the helm of Los Blancos a decade after his first stint.

"I want to learn everything from him," the 28-year-old Valverde told the club's official media. "I will listen carefully to every instruction he gives and cherish every minute of every session training with him and the coaching staff."

He added: "I will keep improving myself both personally and professionally. He is an extraordinary mentor, and I can get a lot from him. I am ready for a great season." The Uruguayan lynchpin also stressed: "Our main goal this year is to win trophies. We want Real Madrid fans to be happy, enjoy a season full of honors, and be proud of us."

During his first spell at Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, Mourinho led the team to win La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup, as well as reaching the Champions League semi-finals three times. He has now appointed Valverde as the first captain for next season.

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Valverde joined Real Madrid from Penarol at the age of 18 and is eager to repay that trust with his performances. "I feel deeply moved and very proud," he said. "Whenever a passerby calls me 'captain' on the street, or someone in my social circle addresses me that way, I feel a surge of excitement and honor. You look back at everything — the good times and the tough ones... and now, it's my turn to stand as the first captain. I have absorbed immense wisdom from all the former captains."

"They have always given me incredible support, and I will make the most of it to grow together with the coaching staff."