Real Madrid great Nacho signs for RSL's Al Qadsiah | OneFootball

Former Real Madrid captain Nacho has become the latest star to join the Roshn Saudi League after signing for newly promoted Al Qadsiah.

The hugely decorated Spaniard has agreed a two-year deal with the Khobar side, who return to the Saudi Arabian top flight for the first time since the 2020-21 season.

Nacho, 34, had spent a remarkable 23 years at Madrid having entered to the club’s youth academy in 2001, aged 10. After making his senior team debut in 2012, he went on to represent the Spanish giants 364 times and collect an extraordinary 26 trophies.

Earlier this month, in what proved to be his final appearance for Madrid, Nacho led the club to a 2-0 victory against Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League final, as he became one of only five players to win six European Cups with the club.

Currently part of the Spain squad at the UEFA European Championship 2024 Germany, Nacho’s list of titles won at the Bernabeu include four La Liga crowns, two Copa del Reys, five FIFA Club World Cups, four European Super Cups and five Spanish Super Cups.

With his national team, he also tasted success at the 2013 UEFA Under-21s European Championship and in the 2022-23 UEFA Nations League.

Speaking at a Spain press conference on Thursday, Nacho said: "I'm so grateful to Real Madrid. 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 always had clear [in my mind] 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.

"I could have stayed one more year but there's nothing left to win with this jersey. It doesn't mean I'm lacking ambition. I thought it was the right time. I am calm and confident with the decision I've taken."

Nacho added: “I need a new experience. There is nothing left for me to win with this shirt, but of course, I have the ambition to continue winning. It seems to me that it is the moment. It is difficult, but it is a decision made from within. There is no reason but it is what I feel. I am prepared for what comes and very excited."

Nacho represents Al Qadsiah’s fourth foreign signing already this summer, following the arrivals of versatile Uruguayan international Nahitan Nandez from Cagliari, Belgian international goalkeeper Koen Casteels from Wolfsburg, and Mexican international forward Julian Quinones from Club America.