“He will forever be in the heart of Real Madrid” – Carlo Ancelotti on Nacho’s retirement

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti feels Nacho will forever be in the heart of the club. The veteran Spanish defender made a move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiah. Nacho spent 23 years at Real Madrid and he is now all set to start a new chapter in his career.

Real Madrid organized an event to pay tribute to the experienced center-back and Ancelotti was in attendance with club president Florentino Perez.

Ancelotti said via MadridXtra, “Having players like Nacho is a blessing for any manager. He will forever be in the heart of Real Madrid.”

Perez said, “Since he arrived at our youth academy as a child, Nacho has been an example to everyone and has earned the affection, recognition and admiration of everyone at Real Madrid. Real Madrid is and always will be his home.”

Nacho joined the Youth academy of the club in 2001 and since then, played a key role in the success of Los Blancos.

The veteran defender won a total of 26 titles with Real Madrid, including four La Liga, two Copa del Rey, five Supercopa de España, six UEFA Champions League, three UEFA Super Cup, and five FIFA Club World Cup titles.

Nacho wrote an emotional farewell message for Madrid fans, “Madridistas, I want to send you this message to thank you for everything you’ve done for me, for all of the support I’ve had and now it’s my turn to join you, to cheer on Real Madrid until the end.”

Nacho has signed a two-year contract with Al-Qadsiah. Meanwhile, Luka Modric, who recently extended his deal with the club by another season, has been named as the team’s new captain.