AFTER 12 years and 26 trophies, Nacho Fernandez has left Real Madrid.
The Los Blancos legend has announced he will be leaving the club when his contract expires next week.
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Nacho, 34, has spent his entire career on the books at Real Madrid, playing for their youth sides and reserve teams before breaking into the first team in 2011.
But after captaining the side to a La Liga and Champions League double last term, his time in the Spanish capital has come to an end.
A statement on the Real Madrid website read: “Real Madrid C. F. announces that our captain Nacho has taken the decision to end his career as a Real Madrid player.
“Real Madrid would like to thank and express our appreciation to Nacho, one of the club’s biggest legends.”
While Nacho himself penned an open letter to Madrid fans in a statement on social media.
It read: “Dear Madridistas. I want to dedicate a few words to you, which are too few to express everything I feel at this moment.
“I am saying goodbye to the club of my life, Real Madrid. I arrived when I was 10 years old, I trained as a person and as a player, I learned to win and to lose, to fight and to suffer, to enjoy, and to always live with enthusiasm and determination.
“I learned everything I am today. I have been coming to train in the same place every day for almost 25 years, which is an understatement, learning the values of Madridismo, giving my life and fighting for this crest: you have given me everything.
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“It’s very difficult for me, but now it’s time to leave with the confidence and peace of mind of knowing that I have always given my best to represent this crest, on and off the pitch.
“When I was a boy, I often dreamed of playing in our stadium, the Santiago Bernabéu, and today I have the honour of ending my time as the captain who managed to lift our 15th Champions League.
“There are no words to express my feelings.
“I always wanted my end as a Real Madrid player to be beautiful and at the top, and I can tell you that it is impossible to have a better one than this.”
During his time at the Santiago Bernabeu, Nacho has won 26 different trophies including six Champions Leagues, four La Liga titles and five Club World Cups.
The versatile defender made 364 appearances – scoring 16 goals and providing 10 assists.
While also represented the club’s development side, Real Madrid Castilla, 111 times during the early stages of his career.
Now the 26-time Spanish international, who is currently with his nation at Euro 2024, is preparing for a new challenge.
The Athletic have reported that Nacho is closing in on a deal to join Saudi Pro League outfit Al Qadsiah.
The Middle Eastern club has just been promoted to the SPL after topping the second division last term.
Nacho will join stars such as former Belgium international Koen Casteels and former Fulham loanee Luciano Vietto at the club.
A look at Nacho's time in the Spanish capital...
Games played: 364
Goals scored: 16
Assists: 10
Champions League winner x 6
La Liga champion x 4
Fifa Club World Cup winner x5
Uefa Supercup winner x4
Spanish cup winner x4
Spanish supercup winner x5
