Real Madrid’s defensive challenges have intensified, with former player Nacho Fernandez making it clear he won't return to the club. In a recent *Cope* interview, Nacho, now playing in Saudi Arabia, stated that even if Real Madrid reached out, he wouldn't reconsider his decision to leave. “Real Madrid didn’t call me,” he said. “Even if they did, I wouldn’t go back. I committed to playing 30, 40, or 50 more games, and I stand by that choice.”
This stance effectively ends any speculation about a reunion with his old club, where Nacho was a long-standing, dedicated player. For now, he says he'll continue supporting Real Madrid as a fan.
His comments come at a critical time for the club, which is grappling with injuries among key defenders. David Alaba is still recovering from a severe knee injury, and Eder Militão is out with an ACL tear, leaving Antonio Rüdiger as the sole experienced central defender. With these absences, Real Madrid is urgently exploring ways to strengthen its defense, though Nacho’s decision narrows their options.
Despite his departure, Nacho remains passionate about Real Madrid's future. He encouraged the club to invest in homegrown talent rather than bringing in external players, mentioning that promising performances from young players, like Asencio, could be the key to filling gaps in the roster. “This is the ideal moment to rely on our youth,” he said, showing faith in the club's academy.
Nacho’s remarks highlight both a challenge and an opportunity for Real Madrid. While they now face the immediate task of shoring up their defense, his call to focus on developing academy players could signal a shift in philosophy—one that values nurturing talent from within.