Real Madrid Captain Nacho Fernández Announces His Farewell After Epic 25-Year Journey

Real Madrid captain Nacho Fernández is leaving the club just weeks after winning his sixth Champions League title and first as captain. Nacho, who joined Madrid's youth academy in 2001, has won 26 trophies with the team. He has expressed gratitude towards the club and its fans in a farewell message.

Real Madrid captain Nacho Fernández is ending his illustrious career with the club less than a month after hoisting the Champions League trophy in London.

The club announced Nacho's decision on Tuesday, approximately three weeks after their record-extending 14th European Cup triumph against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley. It was Nacho's sixth Champions League victory, and notably, his first as captain. The veteran has claimed 26 trophies with Real Madrid, tying him with Luka Modric as one of the most decorated players in the club's history.

"Real Madrid would like to thank and express our appreciation to Nacho, one of the club's biggest legends," the club said in a statement.

Nacho, 34, currently playing for Spain in the European Championship, has been with Real Madrid for over two decades since joining their youth academy in 2001. "I arrived as a 10-year-old and I've grown as a person and as a player," Nacho wrote in a heartfelt letter to fans on social media.

Over nearly 25 years, Nacho has been a daily presence at the club, embodying Madrid's values while dedicating himself to the team. Spanish media reports that Nacho is likely to join a team in Saudi Arabia, though he has not confirmed his next move.

Nacho played 12 seasons with the first team after debuting in 2012, accumulating 364 appearances and winning four La Liga titles. "Since he arrived at our youth academy, Nacho has been an exemplary figure and has earned the affection, recognition, and admiration of everyone at Real Madrid," said club president Florentino Pérez. ''Real Madrid is and always will be his home."

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