Carlo Ancelotti hails departing Real Madrid star Nacho Fernandez | OneFootball

Former Real Madrid captain Nacho Fernandez has bid an emotional farewell to the club.

The veteran defender opted to bring down the curtain on his 23-year link with the club earlier this summer after turning down a contract renewal.

Despite the club’s openness to retaining him for the 2024/25 campaign, he chose to accept a move to Saudi Arabia, to join Al-Qadsiah on a two year contract.

Club president Florentino Perez praised the selfless impact of Nacho over many years in Madrid as the club gave him a traditional send off surrounded by the trophies he won in the Spanish capital.

Alongside Perez, head coach Carlo Ancelotti hailed Nacho’s versatility and clutch performances, across domestic and European action in his two spells in charge of Los Blancos.

“It’s a stroke of luck for a coach to have a player of this profile. Serious, professional, connected with the shirt”, he said.

“He’s a player who always contributed, every day. Saying goodbye is not easy, he’s decided to go and we have to respect that. Nacho will remain in the hearts of Real Madrid forever.”

Al-Qadsiah’s domestic season starts against Al Fateh on August 23 following their top flight promotion for the 2024/25 Saudi Pro League campaign.