It has now been confirmed that Real Madrid's captain is leaving the club.
Veteran defender Nacho Fernandez has officially left Los Blancos as a free agent following a hugely successful 2023/24 campaign, during which he lifted the LALIGA, Spanish Super Cup and UEFA Champions League trophies as captain of the team.
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Comunicado Oficial: Nacho#RealMadrid | #GraciasCapitán
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) June 25, 2024
"Real Madrid CF announces that our captain Nacho has decided to end his career as a Real Madrid player," an official statement from the club reads.
"Real Madrid wants to express its gratitude and affection to Nacho, one of the great legends of our club."
Real president Florentino Perez added: "Since he arrived at our youth academy as a child, Nacho has always been an example of improvement for everyone and has earned the love, recognition and admiration of all Real Madrid fans. Real Madrid is and will always be his home."
The 34-year-old, who has only ever represented Real in his youth and professional career to date, is understood to be set to join newly promoted Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah.
After reportedly completing a medical on Monday, Nacho will sign a two-year deal with his new club, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Prior to his departure from Spain, it was reported that the Madrid-born defender, who was also linked with a move to Serie A giants Inter Milan, had no interest in representing another European club.
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This further led to reports of a potential move to Major League Soccer in the United States, but that speculation appears to have been put to bed.
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