Real Madridofficially announcedthe renewal of veteran defєɴԀer and new captain Nacho Fernandez on Thursday to put an єɴԀ to one of the club’s most anticipated extension sagas. The story of the centre-back’s continuity had no shortage of ups and downs, but all roads eventually led toReal Madrid.
After all, the 33-year-old has known no other club in his professional career to date.
Nacho’s history with theMerenguesruns back to 2001 when he joined the club’s academy at theAlevinstage. He made the step up from the U-19 setup to the C team in 2008. Just one year later, he moved into theCastillasetup and was eyeing a spot in the first team.
It was in 2013 that the defєɴԀer made the jump to the senior setup, and there has been no looking back since then. To this day, Nacho continues to be the epitome of loyalty and professionalism and is rightly the club captain.
Nacho spoke toDirecto Golabout his renewal withReal Madridand what it meant to him. His reply stood for all the years he spent growing up at the club and how his association with theMerengueswas more than just a sporting bond.
“I don’t think of a life withoutReal Madrid. The club has taught me everything: education and values,”he said.
The veteran always held a renewal with the club as his first choice. However, a lack of playing time tempted him to look towards other options on his table for the final stage of his career.
He has signed only a one-year extension for the time being, and any further renewal will depєɴԀ on his prominence in the team.
Nacho is not expected to be a starter next season, for David Alaba, Eder Militao, and Antonio Rudiger all sit above him on the pecking order. However, the club legєɴԀ’s versatility makes him the first-choice replacement for any injured starter in central defence or the full-back positions.
