Real Madrid captain Nacho has made the decision to leave the club when his contract expires in June, according to reports from MARCA. Nacho, along with midfielders Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, will become a free agent at the end of the season. Despite injuries to defensive players David Alaba and Eder Militao, Nacho has been a key player for coach Carlo Ancelotti’s side, often forming a center back duo with Antonio Rudiger in the absence of other options.
In a crucial Champions League quarterfinal second leg against Manchester City, Nacho played a vital role in helping the team secure a 1-1 draw. This was a significant improvement from the first leg where City scored three goals in a 3-3 draw with Nacho left out of the starting lineup. After an intense match that went into extra time and a penalty shootout, Nacho stepped up and converted a crucial penalty to help Madrid secure a 4-3 win, advancing them to the next round of the competition.
Following this important victory, Nacho has reportedly informed the club’s president, Florentino Perez, and the coaching staff that he has decided to leave the club after 23 years. He is seeking a “new adventure” and has received an offer from a team in the United States to continue his career in Major League Soccer. However, there is also reported interest from Inter Milan in Italy, as Nacho has previously come close to making a move to Serie A in 2023 only to stay at Real Madrid and become the team’s captain.
Despite Nacho’s decision to leave, there is still a possibility that he could be convinced to stay at the club for another season. Kroos, another key player whose future with the club is uncertain, has expressed that he is still unsure about his future following the recent victory over Manchester City. Modric, on the other hand, has reportedly already made up his mind to leave the club as well, according to reports from Cadena SER. With several key players considering their options, Real Madrid faces the challenge of reshaping their squad for the upcoming season.
As Nacho looks to embark on a new chapter in his career after more than two decades with Real Madrid, the club will have to navigate a period of transition with key players potentially departing. The departure of Nacho, a seasoned defender and long-serving captain, will leave a significant void in the team’s defensive lineup. However, with potential interest from clubs in the MLS and Europe, Nacho has options for his next move as he seeks to continue his playing career at the highest level. As negotiations and decisions unfold in the coming weeks, Real Madrid will need to plan for a future without some of their most experienced players.
