Real Madrid has officially confirmed the departure of their captain, Nacho Fernandez, after a remarkable 23-year tenure at the club.
Nacho joined Real Madrid as a 10-year-old from his local side in Alcala de Henares and has been a part of the club ever since. Now, at the age of 34, he leaves with an impressive collection of 26 trophies.
During his time at Real Madrid, Nacho won six Champions League titles and four La Liga titles, with the last of each coming during his tenure as captain.
Nacho assumed the captaincy following the departure of Marcelo and held the armband for the final two seasons of his 12-season stint with the first team. Over these years, he accumulated 364 appearances for the club.
In an official statement from Real Madrid, club president Florentino Perez lauded Nacho’s contributions and character, stating, “Since he arrived at our youth academy as a child, Nacho has been an example to everyone and has earned the affection, recognition, and admiration of everyone at Real Madrid. Real Madrid is and always will be his home.”
Although Real Madrid has not officially confirmed Nacho’s next destination, it is widely anticipated that he will be joining Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia.
Al-Qadsiah, a club recently promoted to the Saudi Pro League, is reportedly set to offer Nacho a lucrative contract worth €20 million over two years. This move marks a significant transition for Nacho, both in terms of his career and his life, as he moves to a new country and a different league.
With Nacho’s departure, Luka Modric is expected to take over as the captain of Real Madrid. Modric, being the longest-serving player currently at the club, is seen as the natural successor to the captaincy. His leadership and experience will be crucial as Real Madrid navigates the upcoming seasons.
Nacho’s journey with Real Madrid began in the club’s youth academy, where he quickly established himself as a standout player. His dedication, versatility, and reliability made him a valuable asset for the team.
Throughout his career, Nacho was known for his ability to play in multiple defensive positions, providing the team with much-needed flexibility. His contributions were not just limited to his defensive skills; Nacho also scored crucial goals and often stepped up in important moments for the team.
The announcement of Nacho’s departure has been met with a mix of emotions from fans and teammates alike. While there is a sense of loss, there is also a deep appreciation for his contributions to the club over the years. His departure marks the end of an era for Real Madrid, but it also highlights the cyclical nature of football, where new leaders emerge as others move on.
As Nacho prepares to embark on a new chapter with Al-Qadsiah, he leaves behind a legacy of dedication and success at Real Madrid.
His story serves as an inspiration to young players in the club’s academy, showing that with hard work and commitment, it is possible to achieve great things and earn a lasting place in the club’s history.
#RealMadrid have confirmed the exit of captain Nacho Fernandez after 23 years at the club.pic.twitter.com/7FR30SLtJ9
— Football España (@footballespana_) June 25, 2024
