Staff Reporter.
Former Real Madrid defender Nacho has joined Al Qadisiah on a two year deal after leaving the club, the Saudi Pro League club announced on Thursday.
The 34-year-old, who left Spanish champions after 23 years on Tuesday, will move following Euro 2024, where he is part of the Spain squad.
“I’m so grateful to Real Madrid,” Nacho said at a Spain news conference on Thursday.
“Until a few days ago, I hadn’t signed for my new club and Madrid told me they would be there if I changed my mind. I don’t need a send off like [Toni] Kroos had to realise how much I’m loved.
“I always had clear that if I didn’t finish my career at Madrid, I wouldn’t want to play against them. I want to experience something new, something different. My life is going to be turned upside down but that’s what I want. I’m very happy.”
Al-Qadsiah were promoted to the top division last month by winning the Saudi First Division League.
Several high-profile players are involved in the Saudi Pro League.
Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in 2022, while Karim Benzema – another of Nacho’s former Real team-mates – plays for Al-Ittihad.
Last summer the Saudi Pro League had the fourth highest transfer spend among domestic leagues, exceeding Spain’s La Liga and the Bundesliga in Germany.