Nacho Announces Departure From Real Madrid

Spanish footballer, José Ignacio Fernández Iglesias, better known as Nacho, has announced he is leaving Real Madrid.

At just 10 years old, the 34-year-old Spanish defender joined Real Madrid’s youth academy and went on to play in 364 games following his debut with the main squad in 2012.

However, Nacho is wrapping up a 23-year career highlighted by 26 championships.

His last game for Real Madrid was a 2-0 win in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund recently.

Nacho, who is currently representing Spain in the Euro 2024 tournament, is anticipated to sign with a Saudi Arabian team, Al-Qadsiah.

“It has been months of reflection, indecision and doubts, but I come to tell you that I need to live one last and different experience with my family, and this is the perfect time,” Nacho said while confirming his departure from the La Liga club.

Carlo Ancelotti Denies Real Madrid Boycotting FIFA Club World Cup

Meanwhile, due to winning the Champions League, Madrid has secured a spot in a tournament that has faced criticism for changing its format.

The 2025 edition will take place in the summer instead of mid-season and will involve a transition to a 32-team competition.

Asked about taking Madrid to the Club World Cup in an interview with Il Giornale, Ancelotti is quoted as saying: “FIFA can forget about that. Footballers and clubs will not participate in that tournament. A single Madrid match is worth €20m and FIFA wants to give us that figure for the entire tournament: negative. Like us, several clubs will reject the invitation.”

However, in a post on social media, Ancelotti walked back on his previous statement.

“In my interview with Il Giornale, my words about the FIFA Club World Cup were not interpreted in the way I intended,” he wrote.

“Nothing could be further from my interest than to reject the possibility of playing in a tournament that I consider could be a great opportunity to continue fighting for big titles with Real Madrid.”

Real Madrid themselves posted a statement insisting they are looking forward to participating in the tournament.

“Real Madrid CF would like to announce that at no time there has been any question regarding our participation in the new Club World Cup to be organized by FIFA in the coming 2024/2025 season,” the club said.

“Our club will therefore take part, as planned, in this official competition and we are proud and excited to be involved in it and we will once again inspire our millions of fans all over the world with another trophy.”