Emotional tribute and farewell ceremony for Rudy Fernández

An emotional tribute and farewell ceremony was held at the Real Madrid City pavilion for Rudy Fernández, one of our club's and the world's basketball legends, who brings to an end a successful career at Real Madrid where he won 26 trophies in thirteen seasons. Rudy was joined by president Florentino Pérez, who presented him with the club's gold and diamond insignia; the honorary president, José Martínez Pirri; and several members of the Board of Directors.

Others also in attendance included: Juan Carlos Sánchez Lázaro, director of the Real Madrid Basketball section; Alberto Herreros, technical director of the section; Chus Mateo and players from the first team; Real Madrid legends such as Sergio Rodríguez, Felipe Reyes, Raúl, Roberto Carlos, Emiliano Rodríguez and Clifford Luyk; players from the football squad including Modrić and Lucas Vázquez; Jorge Garbajosa, president of FIBA; Elisa Aguilar, president of the Spanish Basketball Federation; and basketball legends such as Marc Gasol and Ricky Rubio.

After a moving video of the highlights of Rudy Fernández's career, Florentino Pérez took the floor and said: "Dear Rudy, as president of Real Madrid, I would like you to know that it has been an honour to have you in one of the most glittering periods of our history. I would also like to tell you that for me and for every madridista you have represented Real Madrid's values on every court where you have defended our jersey".

"The image of Rudy Fernández will always be that of a player who gave his all in every game and who never gave up in the face of adversity. Your talent, your teamwork, your charisma and your sacrifice made madridistas all over the world proud of a player like you, who we will never forget because you are already part of the legend of Real Madrid".

An example
"We would like to convey to you today all our love and also our gratitude for what you have given us over the last 13 seasons. Not just for your commitment and your hard work on the courts, but also for your exemplary behaviour during all this time".

Farewell at the WiZink Center
"Your talent and the way you enjoy basketball have won the hearts of all those who love Real Madrid. They have demonstrated this to you in every game and especially on 10 June at the WiZink Center. We will never forget one of the most thrilling moments we have ever witnessed at our home court. Those 14 magical minutes when all of our fans rose to their feet, chanting your name, are now a part of our history and they will always be remembered by all madridistas".

A legendary record
"Your winning spirit has turned you into a symbol of this successful period for our basketball team, and the name of Rudy Fernández will now be associated with the 26 trophies that you have won over the last 13 seasons: 3 European Cups, 1 Intercontinental Cup, 7 Spanish Leagues, 6 Copa del Rey and 9 Spanish Super Cups. All of this in 754 games in the Real Madrid colours. You have played the third most games for Real Madrid in the club's history".

Thanks
"Dear Rudy, what a wonderful adventure it has been and we are forever grateful to you. Basketball fans will miss seeing you on the courts. You say goodbye as a professional basketball player and you do so after another historic year winning a hat-trick: the Spanish Super Cup, the Copa del Rey and the League. I would like you to know that this is and always will be your home. Enjoy this new chapter in your life and I wish you and your family all the best. Thank you very much for everything you have given us".

Rudy Fernández: ‘This club has given me everything’
"Real Madrid didn't just change the course of my career, it changed my life. This club has given me everything and hopefully, I've given back at least some of what it has given me. I wouldn't be the Rudy Fernández I am today if it wasn't for Real Madrid. It's thanks to this team that I've been able to spend my whole career in the elite, to be a regular in the national team and to even captain it".

The best decision of his career
"It's hard to put into words what I feel after 13 years wearing this jersey. The time has come to say goodbye as a Real Madrid player. Life goes on, but I can't help feeling that today I'm bringing to a close one of the most important periods of my life. I joined in 2011 when circumstances brought me back to Europe after my time in the NBA. Initially, it seemed like a temporary decision, but it turned out to be the best choice of my career. Madrid opened its doors to me and I felt at home from day one. I found not only a team here but a family. I found a group of teammates who have become brothers. I've been lucky enough to play with the best, learn from some exceptional coaches and win trophies that I've always dreamed of winning".

Thanks to the fans
"Thanks, of course, to the fans. They have always been the driving force that has pushed us forward. More than just the trophies, I'm taking something more valuable with me, the love you all have shown me. I can't describe what I felt during that standing ovation at the WiZink or how moved I was to see that banner in the stands. I am the one who is grateful".

Thanks to the president
"I would like to thank our president, who has supported me unconditionally for over a decade, always believing in me. He gave me all the platform to achieve the objectives that are asked for during these demanding seasons and to instil in the new players the importance of wearing this jersey, just as Felipe and Sergi did when I arrived. Thank you always for your words to my family and for those moments, with your pat on the back and your words of encouragement when things weren't going well. Thank you presi, for connecting me to this crest and letting me make history in this club".

Gold and diamond insignia
President Florentino Pérez presented Rudy with the Real Madrid gold and diamond insignia at a ceremony that culminated with a group photo with the 26 trophies that the forward has won during his career at our club.