“It’s a decision that has been coming” - Nacho Fernandez opens up on summer exit from Real Madrid
Former Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez has explained that his decision to leave his boyhood club this summer wasn't taken all of a sudden. The 34-year-old spent 14 successful seasons at Los Blancos after coming through the ranks.
In 364 games across competitions, he contributed 16 goals and 10 assists and won a plethora of silverware: six UEFA Champions League, four La Liga and five FIFA Club World Cup, among others.
However, Nacho decided to embark on a new challenge this summer, ending a long association with Los Blancos. Explaining his thought process behind his decision, the Euro 2024 winner said (as per Relevo via Madrid Xtra):
“Decision to leave? It’s not something you wake up one day and say ‘enough’. At least in my case. It takes many months, many days ... And even though I had the luck of living one of the best periods at Real Madrid, the life of a footballer, although it may seem easy on the outside, also has hard moments.
"Real Madrid are a club that demands you day by day, that demands you to be well, to win every game. ... I’ve been at the club since I was 10 years old, and I’ve left at 34. And I repeat, I’m lucky because I’ve had the chance to experience the best of Real Madrid. But it’s hard to be there day after day, to have to prove yourself, to have to fight, to have new signings."
Nacho concluded:
"In the end, these demands also wear you down mentally. And although my motivation has always been big, I’m a human being and I think it’s a decision that has been coming day by day, week after week, until a moment comes when you say ‘that’s it, that’s it’.”
The Spaniard has joined Al-Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League.
What's next for Real Madrid?
Real Madrid have had a slow start to the season but remain undefeated in five games across competitons. After winning the UEFA Super Cup (beating Atalanta), Los Blancos have had a quiet start to their La Liga title defence.
They drew two of their opening three games but have won the last two, beating Real Betis 2-0 at home - thanks to a Kylian Mbappe brace - and a 2-0 win at Real Sociedad, where Vinicius Junior and Mbappe scored.
Carlo Ancelotti's side next take on VfB Stuttgart at home on Tuesday as they commence their UEFA Champions League title defence. They won a record-extending 15th title last season, beating Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in the final.