Real Madrid Captain Nacho Bids Farewell After 23 Years With The Club (image-instagram/realmadrid)
Real Madrid center-back and skipper Nacho Fernandes is ending his 23-year-long career with the club just a month after lifting the Champions League Trophy in London.
The Spain defender, 34, joined Madrid’s youth academy aged 10 and made 364 appearances following his senior debut in 2012. Nacho who will soon transfer to Saudi Arabian Club Al-Qadsiah is now with the Spain squad at Euro 2024.
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Nacho has won 26 trophies throughout his tenure with the European giants and he is one of the most decorated players to have played in a Real Madrid shirt.
As per multiple reports, the footballer had earlier received offers from Major League Soccer clubs but ultimately decided to head to Saudi. In a letter to his fans, popularly known as Madridistas, he wrote, “I arrived as a 10-year-old and I’ve grown as a person and as a player”.
“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,” club president Florentino Pérez said. “Real Madrid is and always will be his home,” he added.
As the Spain international looks to embark on a new journey, his former colleague Ronaldo has sent a congratulatory message on social media. Ronaldo paid tribute to his illustrious career and wrote, “You are one of the heroes of Real Madrid’s great history. Be proud of what you achieved, Nacho!”
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Sergio Ramos who too played alongside Nacho in the defensive line penned, “Dear Nacho, you are leaving, but you will always be a part of @realmadrid history. Congratulations on a brilliant run. It was a pleasure to share the dressing room for so many years and live together so many successes and unrepeatable moments. Also happy to see you as captain raise the ear. A huge hug, brother. Always on my team!”
Nacho has ended his saga with the Spanish football club after being one of the five players who have bagged 6 European Cups in the history of football.
