"There is nothing left for me to win with this shirt" - Nacho details reasons for Real Madrid exit
Outgoing Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez has explained that he's leaving the club, as he has nothing new to win with Los Blancos. The 34-year-old is currently on international duty with Spain at UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany.
Nacho, 34, has had an illustrious career at the Santiago Bernabeu. Since his first-team debut in the 2010-11 season, he has contributed 16 goals and 10 assists in 364 games across competitions. That includes an assist in 45 outings across competitions last season as Los Blancos won three titles, including their second La Liga-UEFA Champions League double in three years.
However, with his current deal expiring this month, Nacho has decided to embark on a new adventure as he said from La Roja's training camp in Germany (via Football Espana):
“I need a new experience. I could have lasted one more year. I would have been just as happy, but you know how demanding it is. Even if we win, nothing is worth anything other than being the best.
"There is nothing left for me to win with this shirt, but of course I have the ambition to continue winning. It seems to me that it is the moment. It is difficult, but it is a decision made from within. There is no reason but it is what I feel.”
He added:
"I was challenged to be the captain, and I wanted to win, but writing such a beautiful ending is impossible for me. I have felt loved. Of course there are difficult moments and of course they affect you, but there is no specific moment. To end like this is to put an end to it in the best way.”
In what turned out to be his last game for Real Madrid, Nacho helped them to a 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League final. It marked Carlo Ancelotti's team's record-extending 15th title in the competition.
"I needed a new experience, and I told the club months ago" - Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez
In the same interaction, Nacho Fernandez revealed that he didn't take the decision to leave Real Madrid suddenly as he sought a new challenge and that he has no regrets or doubts.
Having finished on a high that was beyond what he had dreamed of - with Real Madrid losing just twice all season enroute winning three titles, the Spain international reflected:
“Thank you very much for your patience these days, and thank you for your respect. I imagined that the questions were going to come. The decision is the most difficult of my entire life.
"It is a considered and confident decision. I would lie to you if I have not had I had some doubts. I needed a new experience, and I told the club months ago.”
“Everything is so beautiful that you have doubts and thoughts about holding on for another season. I was honest, and I needed a new experience. And I never dreamed of the ending being this nice.
About his legacy he's leaving behind, Nacho concluded:
"It is a very considered decision that I have no doubts about, but I do it with confidence and tranquility, with the affection and respect of everyone. What I told my wife is that the affection I have felt over the last few weeks is the greatest title.
"Very happy and grateful to the club of my life. I have given everything, and that is how I want to be remembered.”
Nacho and Co. next take on Georgia in the Euro 2024 Round of 16 on June 30 in Cologne, having finished atop a group containing defending champions Italy, Croatia and Albania.