Carlo Ancelotti jokes Federico Valverde needs a Brazilian passport after the Real Madrid star’s Champions League hat-trick against Manchester City

Former Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has revealed he jokingly told midfielder Federico Valverde that it was a shame the Uruguayan does not have a Brazilian passport.

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Ancelotti, who now serves as head coach of the Brazil national football team, said he sent the message to Valverde after the midfielder’s remarkable hat-trick against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League last week.

“I have sent a message to Fede Valverde. I told him it is a shame you don’t have a Brazilian passport,” Ancelotti said in comments reported by Marca.

The Italian manager also recalled a long-standing bet with the midfielder dating back to their time together at Real Madrid.

“I made a bet with Fede years ago that he would score 10 goals in a season or I would revoke my coaching licence,” Ancelotti said.

Ancelotti coached Valverde during his successful spell in charge of Real Madrid, where the Uruguayan developed into one of the club’s most influential midfielders.

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Valverde will now hope to inspire Real Madrid to another victory when the Spanish giants face Manchester City in the second leg of their Champions League Round of 16 clash.