Spanish footballer Nacho Fernández, defender for Al Qadsiah, said goodbye to Real Madrid on Wednesday in tears after almost 24 years in their ranks. In a press conference at Ciudad Deportiva de Valdebebas reported by EFE, Nacho said that Madrid “is everything” to him and declared that he wants to always be remembered as “a youth player who gave everything.”
Nacho expressed his deep gratitude to the club that has given him everything in his life, both personally and professionally. He was moved to tears as he recalled his career and the unconditional support he has received.
“This club is everything to me. Real Madrid will always be our home and our team. Now I will join all my friends to support Real Madrid. I want you to remember me as a youth player who gave everything for his club. From now on, I will shout at all times ‘Hala Madrid’,” he said.
The footballer also highlighted his training in the Real Madrid youth academy, since he was ten years old, and the 26 titles he has won with the team, a record he shares with Luka Modric.
“I want to thank you for what you have given me, more than what I have offered. Here I have been taught to fight, suffer and struggle. But, above all, to live life with determination. With that determination, I have defended the Real Madrid shield all my life. This club is everything to me and to my entire family. I have been making the journey to train for almost 24 years and it was like not leaving home because I arrived at another house, with my other family,” he said before shedding his first tears.
“That family is the one formed by all of us at the club. I climbed a step each season and I finished the journey as captain who lifted the fifteenth Champions League, a total pride. Today is a different day, my life changes. I say goodbye giving all the strength I have inside, from the first day. It is the most beautiful ending I could imagine, I am leaving as captain being important and winning historic titles. I need to live a new experience, face new challenges and this is the moment. Thank you to Real Madrid for making me feel like a happy and lucky youth player,” he added.
On the other hand, Nacho said that this was the time to face new challenges and live a new experience, thanking the club for having allowed him to grow and develop as a player and a person.
“I need to live a new experience, face new challenges and this is the moment. Thank you to Real Madrid for making me feel like a happy and lucky youth player,” he added.
Nacho also had words of thanks for his family, including his parents, siblings, wife and children, for their unconditional support throughout his career. He also thanked his teammates, coaches, club staff and fans for having been part of his journey.
“Mister (to Ancelotti), your demands made me strong and with hard work I achieved my goals. Teammates, you are the best without a doubt. Thank you for everything. You have made my path better and thinking of you makes me happy. Good luck in the future, which I am sure will be magnificent,” he said.
Finally, the player said goodbye amid tears and applause from those present, with an emotional “Hala Madrid!” and a message of gratitude and affection for the club that will always be his home.
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