Nacho Fernandez paid a special visit to Santiago Bernabeu to bid his final farewell to Real Madrid on Wednesday morning.
After 23 years at the club, Nacho is leaving for Saudi Arabian side Al Qadsiah.
While giving his farewell speech, Nacho was overwhelmed with emotions and couldn’t hold back his tears, as he said his final goodbye.
In a private ceremony closed to fans and media at the club house and attended by his teammates, former players and Madrid president Florentino Pérez, an emotional Nacho said: “It’s the most beautiful ending I could have imagined. I leave as captain and having had the honour of lifting the 15th European Cup.
“I leave because I wanted another experience in my career and face new challenges. I want to be remembered as a youth player that gave his all to the club.
“I have grown up for almost 24 years in the best club in the world. Real Madrid has taught me to win and lose, but above all to live. This club is everything to me. I say goodbye knowing that I have given my all for this club.”
Nacho lifted a joint-club record 26 trophies, including six Champions League titles with Madrid, having joined the club aged 10. He made his first-team debut in 2012.
Club president Florentino Perez handed Nacho a gold and diamond badge and said: “We are proud to have had you for these past 23 years. You came here aged 10 and you have played in all of our teams.
“I want you to know that we feel the utmost pride in one of Real Madrid’s most legendary youth players I want to thank you because you have given your soul to this club. You know this is and will always be your home.”
Farewell, Nacho.
