Dani Carvajal said he chose Getafe in the summer of 2026 instead of completing an advanced move to Al-Gharafa in Doha. He said he wanted to feel like a footballer again after injury, and he also spoke about witnessing war up close with his brother-in-law Joselu in Qatar.
Why he chose Getafe
Carvajal revealed why he chose Getafe, saying: "Well, in the end it was a decision driven by great passion. Anyone who knows me knows that football is my life, that it is what I have been doing since I was born, and that I enjoy every detail of it. In the past two years, with the injury, I missed that a little, and I wanted to feel like a player again. I believe I am still capable of playing football for years, and I want to continue enjoying it."
He also said: "The summer was very long, and we had options, but in the end you have to balance what is most important to you: your family, the project, the needs of the manager... As I mentioned before, I have spent my entire life playing for teams fighting to win, and I always think about what it would be like if I were on a team fighting to survive. That was something that motivated me a lot, and that is Getafe's current goal, so I am here to help them."
The Al-Gharafa move
Carvajal said he and his camp had options during the summer, and that the situation with Al-Gharafa was somewhat advanced, with everything in place for a move to Doha.
He explained: "Yes, the situation was somewhat advanced, but I witnessed the war up close with my brother-in-law (Joselu) in Qatar... and when it affects you personally, it becomes a little frightening."
He added: "In the end, you have to weigh the pros and cons of each contract, and we were a little hesitant about the transfer market in our country. I chose Getafe not only because I am in my own country, but also because it motivates me greatly and I want to help the team."
Arbeloa and his Real Madrid exit
Asked about his relationship with Alvaro Arbeloa, Carvajal said: "I think this question should be put to Alvaro, as he is the best placed to clarify these statements. I can't say anything else."
Carvajal also said: "I have always respected his decisions, whether I played one minute or more. I spent my entire career as a starter, and suddenly you find yourself not a starter for a few months, with the World Cup and your contract renewal at stake. But I trained every day and went on every trip with the aim of helping the team. I had no complaints about the club or the coach."
Dressing-room leak and El Clasico
Carvajal lifted the lid on the bust-up between Valverde and Tchouaméni: "It was not important at all. I have been at Real Madrid for many years, and fights between players have happened several times. But nothing was ever revealed."
He added: "The strange thing is that the news was leaked, because just half an hour later it was published in the press, and I am one of those who believe that the dressing room should be closed off, so that is what bothers me."
On El Clasico and Real Madrid's 2-1 win over Barcelona at the Camp Nou, he said: "I enjoyed it a great deal. I think it was a brilliant match at a very fast pace. I didn't expect to see Real Madrid play at this level; it was a pleasant surprise. At times, they completely dominated Barcelona. I think Mourinho's approach was very brave."
Had Barcelona's performance surprised him? He replied: "Yes, Real Madrid posed a big challenge to them in possession of the ball, and they were also coming off a strong performance in the Champions League with some players absent. Ultimately, their style of play is very attacking, with a very high defensive line, and against the big teams, if the opponents get two chances, they'll score at least one goal."