Emotional tributes as Nacho bids farewell

Real Madrid City has played host to a tribute event for Nacho Fernández to mark his farewell. Our captain, the most decorated player in the club's history alongside Luka Modrić, says goodbye having lifted 26 trophies and made 364 appearances as a madridista. Nacho was joined by the president, Florentino Pérez, who presented him with the club's brilliant gold insignia; honorary president José Martínez Pirri; and several members of the Board of Directors. Also in attendance, among others, were: Carlo Ancelotti and teammates including Courtois, Lucas Vázquez, Brahim, Lunin, Ceballos, Fran García and Vallejo, as well as club legends like Raúl, Arbeloa and Solari.

Following the broadcast of an emotional video looking back at images of Nacho's career, Florentino Pérez took the chance to say a few words: “Today is a particularly emotional day for us madridistas because one of the great players who has given everything to his boyhood club, has decided to bring an exemplary spell to an end, leaving as a true Real Madrid legend."

"Dear Nacho, the first thing I'd like to say to you, myself and on behalf of all madridismo, is that we're enormously proud to have had you here for these 23 years. The madridistas thank you, because you have put your heart and soul into defending this crest. I want you to know how proud we feel of one of the most legendary academy graduates Real Madrid has ever had."

Legend
“You arrived at Real Madrid as a boy. It was 2001 and you were just 10 years old. Since then, you have played at every level of the Real Madrid academy and played a key role in one of the most significant winning periods in our history. It was hard to imagine that that young boy would go on to become one of the very few players in football history capable of matching a record held by one of our most mythical stars: Paco Gento and his 6 European Cups."

26 trophies
“And that's not all. That boy would also go on to lift the most trophies in Real Madrid history: 12 seasons in the first team, 26 titles. Throughout your time at Real Madrid, you have been an example of these values. You have always shown conduct and an attitude that those of us fortunate enough to see you grow up here at Real Madrid City, which has been your home for the majority of your life, will never forget."

The values of madridismo
“You grew up here alongside your brother Alex. For every kid that comes through these doors, and for all those who have or will have that same dream, you have been and will continue to be an example of perseverance, refusing to ever give in despite adversity or the difficult times you've had."

Admiration
“All of us today are so proud of that boy, who grew into the great captain who lifted the fifteenth European Cup at Wembley, just a couple of months ago. You will have our affection and admiration, always. You know, as does your family, that this is and will always be your home."

Nacho: “It's the most beautiful end imaginable​”
"I'd like to thank you all for being here on what is a unique, difficult and emotional day for me. I could spend hours recalling anecdotes and all the wonderful things that have happened to me here, but I'd rather focus on what you have given me, which is more than I will ever be able to repay. For 24 years, I have grown up at the best club in the world. It has shown me how to live life with a resolute determination. That is how I have defended this crest, in every moment of my life on the pitch and off it. This club is everything to me and my family."
"I've been making the same journey for almost 24 years, knowing I was coming to my other home, with my other family. It was like never leaving home at all. Just imagine what it has meant for me, to move up a level with each passing season, and end up lifting La Decimoquinta Champions League as captain. I say goodbye safe in the knowledge that have given it everything I had and this is the most beautiful end imaginable: as captain of my club, having won so many titles. Now I wish to take on new challenges with my family."

Thanks
"Thank you to Real Madrid for making me a person with strong values and thank you for making me the happiest academy graduate there is. I'd like to thank every person who has worked with me over the years, all the staff who make up this amazing family. Thank you so much. All I ask is that you remember me as an academy player who gave all he had to his club."

Brilliant gold insignia
President Florentino Pérez presented Nacho with Real Madrid's brilliant gold insignia. The event concluded with a family photo alongside the 26 trophies the defender has won during his career at our club. Having arrived in 2001, at just 10 years of age, he has played at every level of the academy, going on to play 12 seasons with the first team.