Nacho Fernández has left Real Madrid ahead of their long-awaited move to the Saudi Pro League, the club announced on Tuesday.
Nacho captained the team to the Champions League and LaLiga double this season, but left the club at the end of his contract.
The 34-year-old defender has won a joint-record 26 trophies, including six Champions League titles, with Madrid, having joined the club when he was 10 years old. He made his debut with the first team in 2012.
He is part of the Spanish team that beat Albania 1-0 on Monday to advance to the knockout round of Euro 2024.
Sources have told ESPN that he is ready to sign for Al Qadsiah in the SPL. He had been in advanced talks with Al Ittihad, but Al Qadsiah offered the centre-back a deal and he decided to accept it because he was keen to resolve his future as soon as possible, the source added.
“Real Madrid wants to thank and express our recognition to Nacho, one of the club's greatest legends,” the statement said. “All Real Madrid fans are very proud of one of the most legendary youth players in our history.”
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez added: “Since he arrived at our youth academy as a child, Nacho has been an example for everyone and has earned the love, recognition and admiration of everyone at Real Madrid.
“Real Madrid is and will always be his home.”
Nacho paid tribute to the Real Madrid fans with a message through social networks.
“It has been months of reflection, indecision and doubt, but today I am here to tell you that I need to have a final and different experience with my family and this is the perfect time,” he wrote. “Thank you Real Madrid for understanding me.”
