Real Madrid News
Real Madrid veteran excited by captaincy responsibilities: “A very important challenge”
Speaking to the club’s official media, Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez has spoken about what it means for him to be the first captain of the team.
An academy product, Nacho has been with Real Madrid for 20 years now, having joined the Merengues way back in 2003. The 33-year-old has spent his entire professional career with the Spanish capital club and has been a valuable member of the team for years now.
A leader in the dressing room, Nacho has captained Real Madrid previously, but he has now been appointed the first captain following the summer departure of Karim Benzema. And, the veteran cantera is excited at the opportunity, as he said:
“Being captain is very nice and a very important challenge.”
“I’ve been here my whole life, not only in the first team but in all the categories. Representing this club is the best thing that can happen to me. I’m a home-grown man and I’ve been captain many times, but being Real Madrid’s first captain is very special.”
Talking about the responsibilities that the club captaincy entails, Nacho said: “The responsibility that comes with it is to keep fighting and winning titles, that doesn’t change. I always try to fight for my team and win games with this crest, which is what you are taught from the time you are a little boy.”
“I was taught very well since I was a child what the values of this club are and now I’m going to try to pass them on. My dream was to make my debut with the first team but being first captain is something different. As the moment gets closer, I’m believing in it more,” he added.
On what it means for him to be the captain of the team, Nacho stated: “The team and the fans show me their affection every day. Being captain means being a leader and being the best teammate for everyone else.
“I’m proud and happy and with the help of this great team everything is easier.”
It must be remembered that Nacho was set to be out of contract this summer, with his previous deal with the club expiring on June 30. And after much deliberation, the 33-year-old decided to pen a new one-year deal to continue with the club for one more season.
Opening up on his decision to continue, Nacho said: “Even if there are difficulties over the years, it’s always worth it at the end of each season to extend my contract for another year.
“I take it with the same enthusiasm as I did in my first game. I think this year is going to be very nice for everyone.“
Finally, Nacho also spoke about the team’s pre-season tour of the United States of America and its importance, saying:
“This pre-season is special, as they all are. I’m proud to be here. In Los Angeles we feel at home, we’ve been coming here for many years. With the recognition that the club has, they know you all over the world. It’s a reason to be happy for the affection that the fans show us.”
In a season where Real Madrid have largely struggled to keep pace with leaders Barcelona, Arda Guler has been one of the few bright sparks.
Despite his limited minutes, the Turkish international has shown that he is capable of becoming a first-team regular for Los Blancos, especially at a time when others, including Vinicius Jr. are struggling to make an impact.
Guler was notably named in Real Madrid’s five-player star of the month for September and the player could soon be rewarded with a contract extension as well.
New contract for Arda Guler
According to AS, Guler has agreed terms for a new deal at Real Madrid, in what could be the club’s first major renewal for the new season.
The young Turk’s current deal at the Bernabeu expires in 2029. But the renewal will ensure his future at the club at least until 2031.
The new contract will effectively acknowledge Guler’s growing role in the Real Madrid first-team and include a salary-increase.
The negotiations between the two parties had started last month and has now come to fruition, with Guler more than happy to continue his chapter at Real Madrid.
He also joins a long list of Real Madrid players with long-term contracts, including Yan Diomande, Vinicius Jr., Marc Cucurella, Aurelien Tchouameni and others.
An important season ahead
With the contract likely to be finalised soon, Arda Guler’s main goal will be continue to his form when the season restarts next weekend.
The forward has been involved in four goals in seven matches this season. With Vinicius and Diomande struggling for form, the Turkish international will have an excellent opportunity to become a regular starter for Jose Mourinho throughout the course of the campaign.
Mourinho, for his part, must identify how to get the best out of both Guler and an in-form Jude Bellingham. If the two can somehow work together in the final third, Real Madrid could find themselves dominating most matches.
