Arrivederci Dani!

This week we say goodbye to Daniele Verde, after he announced via his Instagram account that he will be leaving the club imminently.

After signing in August last year, the diminutive Italian, who celebrated his 23rd birthday last week, became a firm favourite among fans despite his relatively limited playing-time. Signing on a one-year loan deal from Italian giants Roma, Verde came highly touted with under-21 international experience to his name.

He appeared 22 times in La Liga and scored twice. His tally may not have been what some may have expected, but they were important goals nonetheless. His first came with a sublime free kick in stoppage time to earn a point at home to Espanyol in October. The second came, again, in time added on. This time it was away to Eibar in the 91st minute in March of this year, where he showed tremendous composure to slot home a penalty kick. This set the table for Sergi Guardiola's very late winner, three minutes later. The victory in Ipurrua may well have been instrumental in ensuring Real Valladolid stayed in La Liga, and Verde - who came on as a substitute - was a major factor in this.

It was in the Copa del Rey, however, that Verde flourished. Two goals in the first leg of a tie against Mallorca in October were followed up by another in the return fixture two months later. He also scored in the same competition against Getafe, in a 1-1 draw which ultimately saw Pucela exit the cup.

Verde posted an emotional message on Instagram coupled with a video showing some of his individual highlights from the last campaign.

We thank Daniele for his service and wish him very well for the future!

Image: twitter.com/danieleverde53