Nacho Fernadez has left Real Madrid after 23 years and 25 trophies, and boy was it emotional.
The academy graduate departs having lifted Los Blancos‘ 15th Champions League title as club captain, joining Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah for one final payday before retirement.
As is customary, Nacho was given his farewell tribute in front of his family, teammates, and club president Florentino Perez.
Perez went first with an emotional tribute, but then it was Nacho’s turn, saying: “I don’t know whether to cry now, in between… Here I have been taught to win and lose, to suffer, to earn a living with a word that defines me, determination.
“With that determination, I have defended the shield, on and off the field. It means everything to me. I have been taking the same route to training for almost 24 years. Leaving home was like not leaving, because I arrived at my other house, with my other family…” Nacho burst into tears at that point, but there was more to come.
He continued: “Imagine what it means to me to start in the dressing room of this incredible Sports City, being the captain who lifted the 15th Champions League.
“But today is a different day, I say goodbye with a clear conscience. This ending is the most beautiful I could imagine. I am leaving as captain of my club, being important.
“You have given me more than I have been able to give back. I need to live a new experience and it was time. I am, was and will be happy. Thank you Madridistas, I felt like the luckiest youth player.”
Nacho then turned to an already emotional Perez, clearly choking up the president as he said: “President, thank you for understanding me and helping me in my career.”
He added: “Thank you José Ángel for waiting for me. Mister [Carlo Ancelotti], thank you for your trust. My teammates, you are the best. You have made me better. And good luck in the future, which will be magnificent, for sure.
“And I want to send a message to all those who have helped me: staff, doctors, club workers… Thank you in capital letters.”
After his opening gambit, Perez later commented: “This guy is an example to follow, he is the mirror in which the new generations should look at themselves.”
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