‘If they call me, I’m not going back’ – Real Madrid legend rejects Bernabeu reunion in hour of need

Robin Bairner

• 13 Nov 2024 02:50 CST
• 2 min read

Real Madrid will not be able to count upon a returning hero in their hour of need, with Los Blancos told in no uncertain terms that he will not be returning to the Bernabeu.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side have been hit by a string of long-term injury problems, with the defence particularly badly impacted. Although David Alaba’s return is forecast imminently, they have seen Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao recently go down with ACL injuries.

Real Madrid have been told they are “obliged” to make moves in the January transfer window off the back of their defeats in El Clasico to Barcelona and the Champions League to AC Milan, with the centre of the defence an obvious point where they need to be bolstered.

One man who will not be coming back to the Bernabeu, though, is Nacho Fernandez, whose decision to leave at the end of his contract in the summer, in combination with Real Madrid’s strange decision not to replace him in the squad, has left the capital side very shorthanded in the middle of their defence.

“No one from Real Madrid has called me. Even if they call me, I’m not going to return,” the 34-year-old, who is playing in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Qadsiah, said in an interview with COPE.

“My decision has been clear, it’s not about playing or not… my chapter there is closed. I’m very happy in Saudi, my focus is here.”

Nacho spent 13 years in Real Madrid's first-team squad from 2011 until 2024, making 364 appearances for the Bernabeu side.

STATS

Nacho Fernández

D (C)

Al Quadisiya

Nacho Fernández

D (C)

Al Quadisiya

All Tournaments

2024/25

• 12

  Games

• 0

  Goals

• 0

  Assists

View all stats

’Zero doubts’ Vini deserved Ballon d’Or – Nacho

Nacho showed his continued affection for Real Madrid, though, when backing Vinicius Junior’s case to win the Ballon d’Or, which was controversially awarded to Manchester City midfielder Rodri, a colleague in Spain’s Euro 2024 winning squad.

“No doubts. I’d have given the Ballon d’Or to Vinicius Jr. But with zero doubts!” he said.

“I respect Rodri, I sent a message to say congratulations as I’m very happy for him. But also Dani Carvajal and Jude Bellingham…

“But for me, Vini is the best in the world.”