WATCH: Nacho Fernandez breaks down while watching Real Madrid tribute video

Nacho Fernandez's goodbye ceremony was held at Real Madrid. He departed the team at the end of the previous month to play for Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia. The celebration had to be postponed due to the 34-year-old's commitment to Spain at UEFA Euro 2024, but it was well worth the wait to honor one of the best staff members of the team.

According to Relevo, Lucas Vazquez, Brahim Diaz, and Andriy Lunin were among the former teammates that joined Florentino Perez in leading the honors to Nacho at the occasion. He said, “Dear Nacho, I want to tell you on behalf of myself and all Madridistas that we are proud to have counted on you. Your career, your values and your degrees give you the right to choose your future. You have been and will be an example of self-improvement. We thank you for giving everything for the badge.”

“I’ve been making the same journey for 24 years” : Nacho Fernandez

In an emotionally charged statement of his own, Nacho discussed his two and a half decades at Real Madrid. The centre-back said, “It’s a difficult day. I could spend hours telling experiences, anecdotes… but I prefer to be grateful for what you have given me. It’s been more than I can give back. Above all, you have taught me to live life with determination. I can proudly say that this badge is everything to me. I’ve been making the same journey for 24 years. It wasn’t about leaving the house, it was coming to my other house. To be with my other family.”

The UEFA Euro 2024 winner added, “Imagine what it has meant to go up a step each season, and finish the journey as the captain lifting the fifteenth Champions League. I say goodbye with the peace of mind of having defended the shield with all my energy and my heart. It’s the most beautiful ending for me. I have felt like the happiest homegrown player ever.”