Real Madrid name new captain after Karim Benzema departure
By Tom Gott
Real Madrid have confirmed that long-serving defender Nacho Fernandez has signed a new one-year contract at the Santiago Bernabeu and will become the team's new captain.
Nacho's previous deal was due to expire this summer but he confirmed earlier this month that he had agreed to extend his stay in Madrid by a further 12 months.
With his deal now official, Real Madrid have also confirmed that Nacho has been named the new team captain, taking the armband from Karim Benzema after the Frenchman left to join Al Ittihad earlier this summer.
Nacho follows midfield general Toni Kroos in extending his contract by 12 months.
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Nacho joined the Real Madrid academy at the age of 11 and has since added 319 appearances for the senior side, lifting no fewer than 23 trophies across 22 years at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The 33-year-old has not always been a starter during his time at the club but has willingly filled in anywhere across the backline, proving to be a reliable option at times of crisis and offering some veteran leadership in the dressing room.
"I see him every day, and I understand his discomfort at not playing, and he’s gone through moments where he was not happy," manager Carlo Ancelotti revealed earlier this season. But he’s not complained, he continued to suffer, and show professionalism.
"When I have needed him, he’s been ready. I’m not here to make friends, but for Real Madrid to win."
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