MADRID, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid confirmed on Tuesday that central defender Nacho Fernandez is leaving the club at the end of June at the end of his contract.
The news sees the 34-year-old, who is currently on duty with Spain's national team at the European Championships, end a relationship with the club that he joined as a 10-year-old and going on to make 364 first-team appearances, winning a total of 26 different titles.
"Nacho brings to an end his career at Real Madrid having been the captain who lifted La Decimoquinta (15th Champions League title) at Wembley, and as one of only five players to have won 6 European Cups in the history of football and with the most trophies in the history of our club," informs the Real Madrid website.
Club president Florentino Perez said, "since he arrived at our youth academy as a child, Nacho has been an example to everyone and has earned the affection, recognition, and admiration of everyone at Real Madrid. Real Madrid is and always will be his home."
Nacho will now continue his career in Saudi Arabia, with the Spanish press reporting he has signed a two-year contract with the recently promoted side, Al Qadsiah.
"I say goodbye to the club of my life, Real Madrid. I arrived when I was 10 years old; I grew as a person and a player; I learned to win and lose, to fight and suffer, to enjoy, and to always live with enthusiasm and determination. I learned everything I am today," commented the defender in the statement confirming his departure. ■
