Nacho in his farewell: “I ask that you remember me as a youth product who gave everything for Real Madrid”

In front of an audience including team-mates of past and present, including the likes of Carlo Ancelotti, Raúl, Santiago Solari, Álvaro Arbeloa, Lucas Vázquez, Fran García, Fede Valverde, Brahim Díaz, Thibaut Courtois, Jesús Vallejo, and Andriy Lunin, as well as his family, Real Madrid captain Nacho bid farewell to the club after a 24 year stay.

“I want to thank you for your presence here on this emotional and beautiful day,” Nacho began, speaking between tears. “I could be here for hours telling stories about everything that’s happened over the years. But I’d prefer to focus on thanking you for everything you’ve given me.”

“Today my life changes. I’m saying goodbye to the club that I have given my all to, since the very first day to the last one. Thank you Real Madrid for making me the man I am today. Here, they taught me to win and lose, to fight and suffer, but above all, to live life with a word which defines me, determination.”

“With that determination, I have fought for this club which is my club. This club is everything for me, and of course, for all of my family.”

“I’ve had the same journey for 24 years. When I left home it wasn’t like leaving home, because I was coming to my other home with my other family,” he said, again breaking down in tears. “This family is made up of everyone who is part of this club. Imagine how it feels for me, beginning working my way through the ranks of this club, ending as the captain winning the 15th Champions League title. Now I say goodbye knowing that I have used all my energy and ability.”

“The ending is the most beautiful one I could have imagined. Real Madrid will always be our team and our home.”

“I only ask one thing, that you remember me as a youth product who gave everything for our club at every moment, in every place. From now, I will celebrate every goal. Hala Madrid.”

Florentino Pérez’s message

Starting the ceremony, in front of the audience made up of Nacho’s family, friends and colleagues, Florentino Pérez gave an emotional speech which ranks alongside some of the farewells to the club’s greats. “Today it’s a sad day for all Madridistas, because we’re saying goodbye to a player who has given his all to the club and become a legend for Real Madrid,” the President began.

“Real Madrid was built with the talent and commitment of legends who have committed to this club, and shown that through the club’s history. They have made Real Madrid the most admired and loved club in the world, with people across the world recognising themselves in our values.”

“Dear Nacho, in the name of all Madrisistas, we’d like to say we are very proud of all that you achieved during these 23 years,” he continued. “You joined the club as a kid aged just 10 years old, and have played at every age group. You’ve played during the most successful eras of our club.”

“In 2012, your dream came true and you became a first team player. You went on to make 364 appearances. It was so difficult to imagine as a kid that you would become one of the most important players for Real Madrid, winning six Champions League titles, equalling Paco Gento’s record.”

“You’ve always been a role model of all the club’s values. You’ve always had an attitude and behaviour that has been an example for others to follow. You’ve grown up here at what is your home, Real Madrid. You are an example of never giving up, even in difficult moments. Everyone should be proud of that boy who joined our club and went on to become the captain who lifted our 15th Champions League title only two months ago.”