It recently emerged that Real Madrid captain Nacho Fernandez will depart the club at the end of this season, having decided to embark on a fresh challenge.
The 34-year-old has found himself playing a crucial role this season, stepping up in the absence of Eder Militao and David Alaba, as both defenders suffered long-term injuries.
Nacho has made 36 appearances across all competitions in this campaign and started in Real Madrid’s Champions League victory on penalties at Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-final, in which he performed well to help keep the hosts at bay in an initial 1-1 draw.
With the veteran departing at the end of the season, no decision has been made over which club he will join, but an important detail has emerged regarding his future plans.
Nacho Fernandez will not play for another La Liga side after Real Madrid exit
Nacho has spent his entire career at the Santiago Bernabeu, having progressed through the academy he joined 23 years ago, and will go down as an important figure in an excellent period for the club.
Given his allegiances to Los Blancos, it now appears that he will not join another club in Spain, as he does not want to play against Real Madrid in La Liga.
Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed his plan to move abroad, and this could also mean that he does not join a Champions League side, despite interest from Inter Milan.
“Inter are showing again their strong interest in Nacho as free agent, after they tried to sign him already one year ago. But it’s not easy. Nacho wants to keep all options open to several clubs — including those outside Europe. He’s expected to leave Real Madrid in June,” he posted on X.
“Nacho will take some time before deciding his next club, full focus on the final games of the season as he wants to leave in the best way possible. No plans to stay in La Liga as he doesn’t want to play against Real. Inter option looks difficult despite their interest,” Romano added.
Nacho Fernandez is a Real Madrid legend
Although Nacho was often a squad player, rather than a superstar with the calibre or ability of Toni Kroos or Luka Modric, he will leave as a Real Madrid legend given his contributions to the club for years.
Nacho has won 20 major trophies across his career at the club, and has been seen as a reliable squad option to step up in the absence of other defenders across the entire back line.
He has made 355 appearances for Los Blancos, and should his side win the Champions League and La Liga this season, he would take the top spot as the most decorated player in the history of the club.
With five Champions Leagues and three La Liga titles to his name, he has one of the best trophy collections of anyone in World football, and is likely to receive a magnificent reception in the final games of this season.