The 31-year-old stepped up in the absence of Sergio Ramos, who came out after undergoing knee surgery but has since returned and formed a strong partnership with Raphael Varane at the back.
Nacho wants to end his career at Madrid
Nacho Fernandez admitted that as long as he plays more games for Real Madrid this season than last, the ‘funny’ nature of football means things can change quickly. The 31-year-old stepped up in the absence of Sergio Ramos, who came out after undergoing knee surgery but has since returned and formed a strong partnership with Raphael Varane at the back. “When I was a kid, I used to say that I would like to play for Real Madrid,” Nacho told reporters. “Now I have played over 200 games, and I am thrilled to defend this jersey. I hope I can do it for a long time. Will I renew? When summer comes, I will sit down with the coach and the club, making the best decision.”
“It would be a dream to end my career at Real Madrid. Last year I was more outside the team than in it, but football is a funny game.”
Despite Ramos’ return, Zinedine Zidane looked to keep Nacho in the side by playing a three-person defence. At the same time, his performances were so high that the Real Madrid boss could do without his captain last weekend for the trip to Celta Vigo and still come away with three points. “I feel very confident, settled,” he learned. “It has been an excellent year for me, personally. On the pitch, I feel different from other seasons; I have confidence, and it helps a lot to play matches in a row. I am pleased”. Real Madrid face Liverpool in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League. And the Spaniard is wary of the Reds’ attacking trident Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane. “Liverpool are a very dangerous team offensively. The three up the top are very good,” stated Nacho.