Real Madrid captain Nacho Fernandez confirmed his departure from the club on Tuesday, ending 23 years of service.
He has won more than one trophy in each of them: the Copa del Rey, the Champions League, the Club World Cup and La Liga as captain in the last two years.
Nacho wrote a heartfelt letter to the club’s fans, thanking them for the good times, and expressing that he couldn’t imagine a better time to leave after such an incredible career at Santiago Bernabéu. The tributes were quick to pour in, starting with president Florentino Perez in Real Madrid’s official statement.
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Cristiano Ronaldo wasn’t far behind him, telling Nacho: “You are one of the heroes of the great history of Real Madrid, be proud of what you have achieved! Be proud of what you have achieved!”
Toni Kroos simply said “I love you Nachete”, while Joselu Mato spoke of him as a “friend, a legend and a captain”. Former captain Sergio Ramos sent him the following message on Twitter.
“Dear Nacho, you are leaving, but you will always be part of the history of Real Madrid. It has been a pleasure to share a dressing room for so many years and to experience so many successes and unique moments together. I am also happy to see you, as captain, raise your ears [le trophée de la Ligue des champions]. I kiss you very much, my brother. Still on my team!
Even FC Barcelona captain Sergi Roberto, who could well leave the club after a similarly long spell, said: “Congratulations on everything you have achieved.”
