Real Madrid are down to the bare bones at the back, which has seen an array of central defenders and right-backs linked to Los Blancos, with Carlo Ancelotti currently relying on academy youngsters if he wants to use specialists in those positions. One player that would have been used as both by now is Nacho Fernandez, but the veteran Spain international will not be returning to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Nacho told Cadena Cope on Tuesday night that he knew he would get game time this season anyway, and that it was not the reason he left.
“When I decided to leave Real Madrid I knew that I would be able to play many games, it was common in recent years. But playing 40-50 games was not going to affect my decision. The decision was very clear, when you feel that your time has come and to end how everything has ended, I am super proud. I have no regrets, I knew what I was doing and I am very happy for the decision I made and for my life now.”
Neither would their injury crisis tempt him back to Spanish football, even if Real Madrid called.
“No, no. I wouldn’t even think about it. It is a decision that was very clear to me, knowing that I would have played 30-40-50 games because I have been important each season, you only have to look at the last one, and that did not make me change my idea in my head. If they called me, I am very happy here, I have a lot to thank my new team for.”
Nacho to Cadena Cope:
"There's no need to lie, I earn a lot more money here than I did at #RealMadrid. But I didn't come just for the money, I wanted a change of life, it was Arabia but it could have been another place where I would earn the same as in Madrid." pic.twitter.com/YbmeNFLzHR
— Football España (@footballespana_) November 13, 2024
In addition to Nacho, Los Blancos have been linked to Sergio Ramos. The 38-year-old is out of contract after leaving Sevilla last summer, and has been keen to publicise the good shape he is in.
“Sergio is a legend and he is a friend of mine. It would be nice to see him again at Real Madrid.”
It was a Castilla product that made his debut after Eder Militao suffered his anterior cruciate ligament injury last weekend. It took Raul Asencio just a matter of minutes to provide an excellent assist, and Nacho challenged the club to rely on him.
“As a youth product, I would love for them not to sign anyone and instead back the local kids. You will know if they are ready or not when you give them the opportunity. The other day Raul [Asencio] played and had a very good game with an assist. The youth team needs opportunities and when these things happen, if the club and the coach are brave, it is the perfect time to show that they are prepared. I hope they don’t sign and they can draw from the academy.”
Nacho has rarely convinced Real Madrid fans as a regular starter, but every time he was called upon, tended to raise his game, as was seen last season when his partnership with Antonio Rudiger saw Los Blancos recover their defensive solidity. Beyond that, his veteran leadership in the dressing room was key.
