Real Madrid has verified that team captain Nacho Fernandez has signed a one-year extension with the club.
The 33-year-old defender announced earlier this month that he had resolved to accept Madrid’s offer of a new contract, having previously considered leaving the club for more playing time.
A club statement released on Thursday stated, “Real Madrid and Nacho Fernández have agreed to extend our captain’s contract until the 30th of June, 2024.
“Nacho had represented Real Madrid for 22 years, beginning in 2001 when he joined the club’s Under-11s academy team.
He has made 319 appearances for Real Madrid’s first team and has won 23 trophies, including three European Cups, five Club World Cups, four European Super Cups, three La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey titles, and four Spanish Super Cups.
Since the departure of Karim Benzema earlier this month, the Spanish national Nacho has assumed the role of club commander.
“There are always offers from elsewhere, but I’ve decided to stay for one more year,” Nacho told TVE on June 11. “I am ecstatic and thrilled to remain.”
The ambidextrous defender, whose preferred position is center-back but who can also play as a full-back on either flank, has fallen behind Eder Militao, David Alaba, and Antonio Rudiger in Carlo Ancelotti’s central defense options.
Nacho started 18 of the 27 La Liga games he featured in during the 2016–17 season, but his growing importance during the season convinced him to remain at Bernabeu.
