Real Madrid has announced the departure of captain Nacho Fernandez after 23 years with the club.

Real Madrid has officially announced the departure of their captain, Nacho Fernandez, concluding his remarkable 23-year tenure at the club.

Nacho joined Real Madrid as a 10-year-old from his local team in Alcala de Henares and remained a vital part of the club. Now, at 34, he leaves with a collection of 26 trophies, including six Champions League titles and four La Liga titles, the most recent of each during his captaincy.

Nacho took on the captain’s role after Marcelo’s departure, leading the team for the last two seasons of his 12-season stint with the first team. Over these years, he made 364 appearances for Real Madrid.

In an official statement, Real Madrid’s president Florentino Perez praised Nacho’s contributions, saying, “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.”

Though Real Madrid has not confirmed Nacho’s next destination, it is anticipated he will join Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia. The club, recently promoted to the Saudi Pro League, is reportedly offering Nacho a lucrative contract worth €20 million over two years, marking a significant transition for him both professionally and personally.

With Nacho’s departure, Luka Modric is expected to assume the captaincy. Modric, the longest-serving player currently at the club, is seen as the natural successor. His leadership and experience will be crucial for Real Madrid in the upcoming seasons.

Nacho’s journey with Real Madrid began in the club’s youth academy, where he quickly became a standout player. His dedication, versatility, and reliability made him an invaluable asset, capable of playing multiple defensive positions and contributing crucial goals.

Fans and teammates have met the news of Nacho’s departure with mixed emotions, combining a sense of loss with deep appreciation for his contributions. His departure marks the end of an era but also underscores the cyclical nature of football, where new leaders emerge as others move on.

As Nacho embarks on a new chapter with Al-Qadsiah, he leaves behind a legacy of dedication and success at Real Madrid. His story inspires young players in the club’s academy, demonstrating that with hard work and commitment, achieving great things and securing a lasting place in the club’s history is possible.