"Leaving the club of my life was very difficult" - Former Real Madrid star on decision to leave the club
Former Real Madrid star Nacho Fernandez has talked about how difficult it was for him to part ways with the club. He was a one-club man up until this summer, when he sealed a free transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al-Qadsiah.
Nacho spent almost the entirety of his career as a backup option but rarely disappointed when he was called to the forefront. He ended his Real Madrid career with a staggering 27 trophies and 364 senior appearances to his name.
Reflecting on his decision to leave the club after a 23-year association, Nacho, now 34, told Saudi Pro League's official YouTube channel (via MadridUniversal):
"It wasn’t an easy decision because leaving the club of my life was very difficult, but I had thought it through. I needed a radical change, I felt the need to try a new experience."
Nacho has captained his side in both of their Saudi Pro League matches so far this season, with the club recording two wins and as many clean sheets. Real Madrid, meanwhile, are in a pickle when it comes to centre-back depth.
Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger have been Carlo Ancelotti's obvious first-choice centre-back pairing. But beyond that, they are severely short of options with David Alaba and Jesus Vallejo both injured.
Former Real Madrid star Nacho talks about the proudest he has felt as a footballer
Nacho Fernandez, in the same interview, was asked to name the proudest moment of his footballing career so far. The six-time Champions League winner said that it was the present, given what he achieved with Real Madrid before swapping continents.
Nacho continued, via the aforementioned source:
"The present [proudest moment in his career]. I’m very happy for everything I’ve done in the club of my life, which is Real Madrid. I’ve been a champion with the Spanish national team this summer, which has been important for me and now I’m in a new project where I bet everything to come."
Nacho, of course, lifted the UEFA Euro 2024 title with Spain this summer, where he played seven minutes in their 2-1 win over England in the final. This was his second international trophy with La Roja, having won the UEFA Nations League with them last year.