Dani Carvajal opens up on Real Madrid exit, Valverde, Ancelotti, El Clasico, future return

Dani Carvajal opens up on Real Madrid exit, Valverde, Ancelotti, El Clasico, future return Dani Carvajal is adjusting to life away from Real Madrid after spending 23 years associated with the club, but his emotional connection to the Bernabeu remains strong.  In an interview with AS , the former Madrid defender reflected on his departure, praised Federico Valverde’s performances and identified Carlo Ancelotti as the manager who had the greatest influence on his career.  Now playing for Getafe, Carvajal also discussed the possibility of returning to Madrid in a coaching role. Carvajal left Real Madrid after making 451 appearances and winning 27 trophies, having progressed through the academy to become a key first-team figure.  His departure marks the end of a remarkable chapter, although he is embracing the challenge of proving himself in a different shirt. Dani Carvajal reflects on leaving Real Madrid for Getafe The defender admitted that adapting to his new routine has not been straightforward after so many years travelling to Real Madrid’s training complex at Valdebebas. “I had an incredible send-off – one of the best experiences of my life. “Going out onto the street and feeling the warmth of the Madrid fans, thanking me for everything I’ve done and asking me to come back in the future, is what fulfils me the most – more than the trophies. “Feeling that the fans are proud of how I’ve given my all is the best thing ever. Now at Getafe, I’m treating it as a challenge, and I’m really looking forward to playing.” After a career filled with silverware, Carvajal placed particular importance on the connection he built with Madrid fans. Carvajal now plays for Getafe. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images) Asked about the defining moments of his 13 years in the first team, he recalled the milestones that shaped his career. “The day of my presentation, without a doubt. The day of ‘La Décima’, which marked the start of a 12-year golden era with a very young squad and academy graduates like Nacho, Morata and Joselu himself.  “And I’ll also always remember the day of my farewell.” Carvajal praises Valverde after Real Madrid’s El Clasico victory Despite his move to Getafe, Carvajal followed Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Barcelona in El Clásico with considerable emotion.  He believed the match demonstrated Madrid’s determination and praised both teams for their performances. “I was nervous. I thought it was a cracking match. Both teams put in a great performance, but Madrid in particular never backed down at any point.  “Real Madrid made a statement. It looks different, but I watched it wearing a Madrid shirt.” Carvajal also highlighted Valverde’s ability to contribute in different positions, particularly at right-back, where his physical qualities allow him to influence both phases of play. “He’s very versatile. Thanks to his physical attributes, he flies up and down the pitch; he’s a powerful passer and covers a lot of ground. He’s doing very well.” Carvajal names Ancelotti as favourite manager Among the managers Carvajal worked with, Ancelotti holds a particularly important place.  Carvajal has nothing but praise for Carlo Ancelotti. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) The defender explained that their relationship developed over several years, including a period when he became one of the senior figures in the dressing room. “I’ve had many; I’ve taken small things from each of them… but the one I’ve spent the most time with and achieved the most success with has been Carlo [Ancelotti]. “He’s almost like a second father to me. During his second spell, the dynamic was different because I was one of the captains; he’s seen me grow, so I’d have to say, Carlo.” Carvajal also reflected on what he learned from other coaches, including Zinedine Zidane, Julen Lopetegui, Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa. “Yes, I try to take the positives from all of them. I’m very empathetic and I try to put myself in the manager’s shoes when he has to make decisions.” Having spent 23 years between Real Madrid’s academy and first team, Carvajal has not ruled out returning to the club after his playing career.  He is particularly interested in a role that would keep him involved on the pitch. “At the moment, I’m enjoying playing. In the future, only God knows whether it’ll be as a youth coach, on the board or in a protocol role…  “But I see myself more out in the thick of it, on the pitch with the youth teams or coaching, because I love the action,” he concluded.