(Madrid) Real Madrid formalized on Tuesday the departure of its captain Nacho Fernandez, 34, announced in Saudi Arabia after 23 years with the club and 12 seasons in the first team.
In a statement, the Spanish giant “would like to express its gratitude and affection to Nacho, one of the great legends of our club”, with 364 matches played in the white jersey and 26 titles won, including 6 Champions League, 4 Championships of Spain and 2 King’s Cups.
According to the Spanish press, he has already signed up for two seasons with the Saudi club Al-Qadsiah, recently promoted to the Saudi Pro League, following in the footsteps of several European big names, including his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. But the officialization of the transfer has not yet taken place.
Arriving at Real in 2001 at the age of ten, the central defender went through all the youth categories before playing in the first team during the golden period of the Merengue club (2012-2024), where he was part of his greatest exploits alongside Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Luka Modric or Sergio Ramos.
He leaves his training club as the captain who lifted the 36th Spanish league title and the 15th Champions League in Real’s history last May.
“Since his arrival at our training center, Nacho has always been an example of progress for everyone and has received the affection, recognition and admiration of all madridistas. Real Madrid is and always will be his home,” said Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez.
Nacho says in a video that he wants to be remembered “as a ‘canterano’ (club-trained player) who gave everything for his club.”