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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Nacho leaves Real Madrid after 23 years</li><li>Will move to the Saudi Pro League</li><li>Ronaldo called the defender a 'hero'</li></ul>

Cristiano Ronaldo sends special 'hero' message after confirmation Real Madrid legend is definitely leaving

LaLiga

Leganes

Real Madrid

<p>Nacho, who joined Los Blancos' youth system in 2001, remained a one-club footballer for over two decades. However, on Tuesday, the <a href="https://www.realmadrid.com/es-ES/noticias/futbol/primer-equipo/personalidades/comunicado-24-06-2024" target="_blank">Spanish champions announced</a> that the defender has parted ways with the club. The 34-year-old is now <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/real-madrid-s-next-captain-revealed-as-nacho-fernandez-closes-in-on-saudi-arabia-transfer/blt861c0c6fa78dd42f#cs2faef81c57d9ea97" target="_blank">headed to the Saudi Pro League</a> where he will <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/karim-benzema-real-madrid-nacho-fernandez-saudi-arabia-move/bltc27e63eb7d4ef13a" target="_blank">join newly-promoted side Al-Qadsiah</a>.</p><p></p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>As the Spain international looks to embark on a new journey, his former Los Merengues colleague Ronaldo sent a congratulatory message on social media while hailing him as a Real Madrid legend.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>On Nacho's Instagram post where the defender bid adieu to his beloved club, the Portugal star left a comment that read: "You are one of the heroes of Real Madrid's great history. Be proud of what you achieved, Nacho!"</p><p></p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C8ooQDBN1AV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" data-instgrm-version="13" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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WHAT CRISTIANO RONALDO SAID

<p>The veteran defender was left out of Spain's starting lineup in their last two Euro 2024 games against Italy and Albania, after featuring for La Roja in their tournament opener against Croatia. He could be next seen in action in the round of 16 on June 30.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR NACHO?

Cristiano Ronaldo sends special 'hero' message after confirmation Real Madrid legend is definitely leaving | Goal.com

Cristiano Ronaldo hailed Nacho as a Real Madrid &apos;hero&apos; as the Spaniard leaves the club after 23 years.