34-year-old Spanish defender Nacho has ended his long-term relationship with Real Madrid as he has reportedly joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah. Nacho’s move was completed on Thursday, leaving the Santiago Bernabeu, where he won the Champions League six times.
The defender, who is with the Spanish national team at the Euros in Germany, where the Spanish national team has gotten to the round of 16, will complete the move after the completion of the Euro Championship.
Al-Qadsiah was promoted to the top flight of the Saudi Arabian League in May after winning the Saudi First Division League. Nacho adds to the number of top football stars worldwide who now play in the Saudi Pro League.
His former Real Madrid teammates, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, also ply their trade in Saudi Arabia.
The 34-year-old explained that the negotiations for the move didn’t affect his focus with the Spanish national team at the Euros and explained that he has always wanted to avoid playing against Real Madrid.
“These things don’t affect me in the games. I knew it for months and it’s made me enjoy things more. I always had clear that if I didn’t finish my career at Madrid, I wouldn’t want to play against them. I want to experience something new, something different. My life is going to be turned upside down, but that’s what I want. I’m very happy.” Nacho said.
Nacho spent a remarkable 23-year period with the capital club. He joined Madrid as a 10-year-old, and during that time, he won 26 trophies with the club after becoming a pivotal figure in the team. He grew in status and was one of the very versatile players on the team, with a defensive prowess.
He leaves the club with an impressive haul of 26 trophies, becoming the joint most decorated player in Real Madrid’s history, alongside Croatian midfielder Luka Modric.
