Real Madrid’s centre-back Nacho Fernandez has announced that he is staying at the club for one more year.
Despite having strong interest from Roma, Inter Milan and the MLS, the Spaniard has decided to stay in the Spanish capital till 2024, where he will wear the captain’s armband.
Nacho, 33, arrived in Real Madrid's youth system at just the age of 11 and made his debut as a left-back with the Los Blancos in a 6-3 away win against Valencia in 2011. He was promoted to Madrid’s first team in September 2012 by Jose Mourinho.
“I go hand in hand with my club & my family. There are always offers from outside, but I have decided to stay one more year. I'm very happy about it,” Nacho confirmed.
The 33-year-old has won 23 trophies with the Whites, including five UEFA Champions League titles and three La Liga.
He has featured in 319 matches with Madrid’s first team since 2010. He also scored 16 goals and provided nine assists during the process.
Earlier, Madrid announced Fran Garcia and Brahim Diaz as the first two signings of the summer transfer window 2023.
Fran was signed from Rayo Vallecano while Brahim was brought back from AC Milan after his loan spell of three years ended at the Italian club.
The left-back was sold to Rayo for a €2m fee in 2021 with a buy-back clause. Garcia was also named the player of the season 2022/23 of Rayo Vallecano.
The 23-year-old made five goal-scoring contributions in La Liga 2022/23 with two goals and three assists. He scored a goal against FC Barcelona in a 2-1 victory and against Atletico Madrid in a 2-1 loss at home.
He also provided an assist against Los Blancos as his Rayo beat the visitors 3-2 on November 11, 2022.
Meanwhile, Diaz, who Madrid bought for €17m fee from Manchester City in January 2019, was loaned out to Milan in September 2020 where he spent three years playing as an attacking midfielder.
The Spaniard contributed to 14 goals with seven goals and seven assists in the previous season with the Italian Club. He also featured in 45 games throughout the season.