Nacho on move to Saudi Arabia: “Money played a key role and I needed a radical change”

Nacho Fernandez explained his departure from Real Madrid in an exclusive interview with El Chiringuito de Jugones while at the Spain camp for Euro 2024. The former captain shared his feelings and reasons behind his decision, offering a clear and heartfelt perspective.

Reflecting on his current state, Nacho expressed, “I feel calm and liberated. These past months have been very stressful because I knew this decision was coming. I am at peace and, above all, happy. I knew people appreciated me, but not to this extent.” He also mentioned the emotional toll it took on him: “I’ve cried a lot. These months were tough as the team was competing for many things. I couldn’t wait for the season to end because of that.”

Nacho emphasized that his decision was well thought out, not made in haste: “I always discussed my decision with the club. Real Madrid waited for me until the last day, and I am grateful. They told me not to make it official until I had signed something else in case I wanted to change my mind and stay another year.”

Regarding his relationship with the president, Nacho confirmed, “Florentino has shown me his affection from day one. Both he and Jose Angel have been supportive. I told him, ‘Presi, it makes me very sad. You might not understand, but I thought this would be my last year at Real Madrid.’ He wasn’t too surprised and responded with total respect, offering his help if I needed it.”

Nacho concluded, “I knew I wouldn’t be playing in Europe. It could be Saudi Arabia or the United States. I needed a radical change, and Al Qadsiah offered me that. Real Madrid was the biggest project of my life, and I achieved everything there. Now, it’s a completely different project. Money is an important factor, I won’t lie, as they offered me amounts I wouldn’t earn in Europe. If some people don’t understand, I get it.”