Nacho Fernandez: I needed a radical change after leaving Real Madrid | OneFootball

Former Real Madrid captain Nacho Fernandez has opened on his reason for leaving the club this summer.

The veteran centre back opted to end his 23-year link with the club after making the call to leave Spanish football for Saudi Arabia.

After deciding against a renewal in Madrid, Nacho accepted a two year contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah on a bumper salary in the Middle East.

The offer of an extra year was rumoured to be a key factor in Nacho accepting the deal with Real Madrid sticking to their policy of one-year extensions for players aged 30+.

The 34-year-old has now offered some context on why he accepted a major change as a new career challenge begins in Khobar.

“I needed a radical change. Al-Qadsiah bet on me very strongly, they showed me a lot of affection from the first moment. I felt the need to try a new experience”, as per an interview with the Saudi Pro League, via Marca.

“It wasn’t an easy decision, leaving the club of my life was very difficult, but I thought it through a lot.”

Al-Qadsiah have enjoyed a strong start to the Saudi domestic season, following their promotion back to the top flight, with Nacho starting in their opening two wins of the campaign.