Real Madrid duo pay tribute to former captain – ‘He is an example for the locker room’

Real Madrid held a farewell ceremony today for departing captain Nacho Fernandez at the club offices.

The club honoured his two-decade journey from academy player to first-team captain before his move to Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia became official.

Various Real Madrid stars were in attendance to celebrate his contributions and bid him a heartfelt goodbye.

Thibaut Courtois applauds Nacho’s journey

Rising through the ranks and making a name for himself, Nacho Fernandez lived the dream of many at Real Madrid, boasting a trophy cabinet that few can rival.

“Nacho’s is a really nice story, that of a youth player who becomes captain of the first team and wins six Champions Leagues,” Courtois remarked via MARCA.

Courtois confessed that the 34-year-old embodies the essence of being a Real Madrid fan, claiming: “I think he represents very well what it means to be a Real Madrid fan, to be a Real Madrid player, and for this dressing room he has always been a key person.”

“Nacho is pure Madridismo and he is an example for the locker room and those to come,” the goalkeeper added.

Highlighting his abilities as a captain, Courtois exclaimed that Nacho’s leadership was especially pivotal last season when the team was going through an injury crisis, with many casualties in defence.

“He is an exemplary captain. With the injured players this season, he has always been helping us and making sure we were fine,” he stated.

Lucas Vazquez also gives Nacho his roses

Lucas Vazquez expressed that parting ways with a player he shared a strong friendship with was an emotional moment for him.

“Today we are all emotional because a very important figure of Real Madrid is leaving,” he said.

“We have shared the dressing room for many years, both in the first team and in the youth team, and now it is time for us to part ways, but I am sure that in the future we will meet again,” Vazquez optimistically added.

“He is one of those friends that is difficult to find in football, he is one of those people who enter your heart,” Vazquez concluded.