Defender Nacho officially leaves Real Madrid and joins Al Qadsiah for two seasons.
It’s official: Nacho says goodbye to Real Madrid and leaves for Arabia. A transfer completed since Saturday. He had already passed the medical examination and signed yesterday. The versatile defender will play the next two seasons (until age 36) at Al Qadsiah, recently promoted to the first division. His salary will be 10 million net per year.
He spent 23 years at Real Madrid, his home. It was in 2001, at the age of 11, that he arrived at La Fabrica. Small, he came from San Gabriel and was very promising. Very polite, very hardworking. He worked his way up to Castilla, with whom he was promoted to the second division in 2012. And from there to the first team, making his debut under Mourinho (2011, although he was still a young player) . Eleven seasons later, he left the club after playing 364 official matches and becoming the most successful player in Madrid’s history (26, tied with Modric). A new adventure awaits him: Arabia, Al Qadsiah, for two seasons.
Nacho’s words
“Madrid fans,
I want to dedicate a few words to you, too few to express everything I feel at the moment. I say goodbye to the club of my life, Real Madrid. I arrived there at the age of 10, I formed myself there as a person and as a player, I learned to win and lose, to fight and suffer, to gain strength. pleasure and to live always with enthusiasm and determination. I learned everything I am today. For almost 25 years I have been coming to train every day in the same place, which is an understatement, learning the values of Madridism, giving my life and fighting for this badge: you you gave everything.
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 defend this badge, on and off the field. When I was a child, I often dreamed of playing in our stadium, the Santiago Bernabeu, and today I have the honor of ending my journey as the captain who managed to win our 15th Champions League .
There are no words to express my feelings. I always wanted my ending 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 ending than this. There have been months of reflection, indecision and doubts, but today I come to tell you that I need to have one last different experience with my family, and this is the perfect time. Thank you, Real Madrid, for understanding me.
President: Thank you for your help and your faithful trust at all times.
Team: You are my brothers. The best players, teammates and FRIENDS a captain could have. Just thinking about you makes me happy.
Mister: you made me better because you asked me to surpass myself at every moment. Thank you for taking care of me and understanding me.
Madridistas: your demands make us great players. Thank you for everything. Playing for you and feeling your warmth made me stronger. Don’t forget… Until the end!
I want to thank the hundreds of people who have worked with me over the years and who have made me a better player and a better person. Coaches, physios, staff, doctors, communication and marketing, players, club workers…. THANK YOU in capital letters.
Thank you also to my parents, my wife and my children, my family and my friends, who gave me a helping hand throughout my journey, without ever giving up on me. Sometimes it wasn’t easy, but their efforts and support allowed me to realize a dream and reach the top.
I say goodbye to you after 24 years of absolute dedication, passion and enthusiasm.
I would like you to remember me as a canterano who gave EVERYTHING for his club. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. From now on, I will shout for every title and every goal of this incredible family, the Real Madrid of my heart!
See you soon,
Nacho”
Words from the president
Florentino Perez also spoke: “Since he arrived at our training center, he has always been an example for everyone and he has the affection, recognition and admiration of all Madrid supporters. Real Madrid is and always will be his home,” the president said through the club’s official channels.
A message followed by a goodbye, with the club’s signature: “All Real Madrid fans feel the greatest pride for one of the most legendary canteranos in our history. Real Madrid wishes him and all his family, the best of luck in this new stage of his life”.
