OFFICIAL: Nacho joins Al Qadsiah on two year contract
Nacho has joined Al Qadsiah on a two year deal after leaving Real Madrid, the Saudi Pro League club announced on Thursday.
The Spanish veteran defender, who captained Madrid to the Champions League and LaLiga double last season, will join the newly-promoted SPL side as a free agent after Euro 2024.
Nacho underwent a medical in Germany while on international duty with Spain ahead of his move to Saudi Arabia.
The 34-year-old, who joined Madrid as a 10-year-old, has won a joint-club record 26 trophies in his 12 seasons with the first team. His trophy haul includes six Champions League titles.
He rejected a one-year contract extension offered by Madrid, admitting it was the right time to leave the club and opt for a "final and different experience" in his career.
Despite being in advanced talks with Saudi giants Al Ittihad, the veteran centre-back opted to sign for Al Qadsiah.
Nacho's coach at Al Qadsiah will be fellow Spaniard Michel, who guided the Khobar-based outfit to finish top of the first division league in his debut season at the club.
Nacho says in an interview: "The decision of leaving Real Madrid is the toughest of my life. I told the club many months ago. I wanted a new experience. I need a new experience. Real Madrid is the best thing happened in my life. It ended in the best possible way. I've nothing left to win at Real Madrid. I had doubts about staying also at the end of last season, then I stayed to be the captain and it's been a correct decision."
"I'm joining Al Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia. Farewell at Valdebebas? We will do something yes. I will talk to the club about this. Real Madrid waited for me until the end, they waited until I had signed with my new club. I will be forever grateful for everything. I don't need a farewell to know Madridistas love me."
"Saudi Arabia? I didn't want to face Real Madrid. This has always been clear to me. Now I need to live something different with my family. I'm very happy. Saudi Arabia league was unknown years ago. Now many good players are going there."
"I spent my life fighting to be a starter at Real Madrid but I'm very happy of my career, I'm the happiest. This has been the season of my life."