Speaking to theclub’s official media,Real MadriddefєɴԀer Nacho Fernandez has spoken about what it means for him to be the first captain of the team.
An academy product, Nacho has been withReal Madridfor 20 years now, having joined theMerenguesway back in 2003. The 33-year-old has spent his entire professional career with the Spanish capital club and has been a valuable member of the team for years now.
A leader in the dressing room, Nacho has captainedReal Madridpreviously, but he has now beenappointed the first captainfollowing the summer departure of Karim Benzema. And, the veterancanterais excited at the opportunity, as he said:
“Being captain is very nice and a very important challenge.”
“I’ve been here my whole life, not only in the first team but in all the categories. Representing this club is the best thing that can happen to me. I’m a home-grown man and I’ve been captain many times, but being Real Madrid’s first captain is very special.”
Talking about the responsibilities that the club captaincy entails, Nacho said:”The responsibility that comes with it is to keep fighting and winning titles, that doesn’t change. I always try to fight for my team and win games with this crest, which is what you are taught from the time you are a little boy.”
“I was taught very well since I was a child what the values of this club are and now I’m going to try to pass them on. My dream was to make my debut with the first team but being first captain is something different. As the moment gets closer, I’m believing in it more,”he added.
On what it means for him to be the captain of the team, Nacho stated:”The team and the fɑɴȿ show me their affection every day. Being captain means being a leader and being the best teammate for everyone else.
“I’m proud and happy and with the help of this great team everything is easier.”
It must be remembered that Nacho was set to be out of contract this summer, with his previous Ԁєɑł with the club expiring on June 30. And after much deliberation, the 33-year-old decided to pen a new one-year Ԁєɑł to continue with the club for one more season.
Opening up on his decision to continue, Nacho said:”Even if there are difficulties over the years, it’s always worth it at the єɴԀ of each season to extєɴԀ my contract for another year.
“I take it with the same enthusiasm as I did in my first game. I think this year is going to be very nice for everyone.”
Finally, Nacho also spoke about the team’s pre-season tour of the United States of America and its importance, saying:
“This pre-season is special, as they all are. I’m proud to be here. In Los Angeles we feel at home, we’ve been coming here for many years. With the recognition that the club has, they know you all over the world. It’s a ɾєɑȿօɴ to be happy for the affection that the fɑɴȿ show us.”
