Overview

• Valera stated he was dropped from Peru's final qualifiers after a medical evaluation and said his absence was not an excuse.
• Responding to Hernán Barcos' post-clásico criticism, he framed their clash as normal on-field rivalry and said the veteran's reaction showed little perspective.
• He rebutted Sergio Peña's comments about playing hurt, arguing players should be honest if not at 100% and that wearing the national shirt is not something to be thanked for.
• He dismissed rumors of friction with Paolo Guerrero or André Carrillo and criticized narratives that seek scapegoats for Peru's poor finish.
• After recovering, he is slated to start for Universitario against Melgar, with coach Jorge Fossati noting Valera and Edison Flores are ready to be tested.