Real Madrid hosted a farewell ceremony for departing club captain Nacho Fernandez earlier today at the club offices.
The veteran defender announced his departure at the end of last month when his contract expired and has signed for Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia.
Before he completed his move to the Middle East, though, Real Madrid saw it fitting to say goodbye to a player who has spent more than two decades at the club and gone from being an academy talent to the first-team captain, with a special ceremony.
Nacho gets emotional during goodbye speech
After Real Madrid president Florentino Perez paid tribute to Nacho with touching words, the Spanish defender stepped up to speak to those present at the event.
Emotions got the better of him at times during his speech as he teared up while his wife and children, in attendance, were also seen crying.
“It is a different, difficult, beautiful and emotional day. I could tell thousands of stories, but I prefer to thank you for everything you have given me,” said Nacho.
“Real Madrid taught me how to win and lose, but above all how to live. Thanks to the club I have achieved the determination that characterises me.”
Reflecting on his two-decade-long journey at the club, he remarked: “I’ve taken the same route to play and train for 20 years. Leaving my house to get to the other house and getting to my other family.”
Nacho signed off on his career at Real Madrid by captaining the team to the La Liga, Spanish Super Cup, and the UEFA Champions League triumphs.
“It’s the most beautiful ending I could have imagined: being captain and an important part of the team. And also having the honour of lifting the 15th European Cup,” said the former captain.
Nacho then proceeded to thank the Real Madrid fans as well as the club president and the directors, saying:
“I am and will be happy. I feel the luckiest canterano of all since I arrived here. Many thanks to the fans, who have always loved and supported me.
“Thank you [president] for waiting for me to have my future closed. I will never forget it.”
Nacho also had some words for his wife and family, saying: “Thank you for taking care of me and understanding me so much, but above all for forming this great family.
“Don’t worry, Real Madrid will always be our home.”
