Nacho was joined by the president, Florentino Perez, who presented him with the club's brilliant gold insignia; honorary president Jos\u00e9 Mart\u00ednez Pirri and several members of the Board of Directors. Also in attendance, among others, were: Carlo Ancelotti and teammates including Courtois, Lucas V\u00e1zquez, Brahim, Lunin, Ceballos, Fran Garc\u00eda and Vallejo, as well as club legends like Ra\u00fal, Arbeloa and Solari.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Following the broadcast of an emotional video looking back at images of Nacho's career, Florentino P\u00e9rez took the chance to say a few words.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cToday is a particularly emotional day for us Madridistas because one of the great players who has given everything to his boyhood club has decided to bring an exemplary spell to an end, leaving as a true Real Madrid legend.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cDear Nacho, the first thing I'd like to say to you, myself and on behalf of all Madridismo, is that we're enormously proud to have had you here for these 23 years. The Madridistas thank you because you have put your heart and soul into defending this crest. I want you to know how proud we feel of one of the most legendary academy graduates Real Madrid has ever had,\" said Perez at the event.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
During the course of his career as a Madridista, Nacho played 364 games and won 26 trophies: 6 European Cups, 5 Club World Cups, 4 European Super Cups, 4 Spanish Leagues, 2 Copa del Rey and 5 Spanish Super Cups in Spain.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 34-year-old defender announced earlier this month that he will play at Saudi Pro League club Al Qadsiah.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cYou arrived at Real Madrid as a boy. It was 2001 and you were just 10 years old. Since then, you have played at every level of the Real Madrid academy and played a key role in one of the most significant winning periods in our history. It was hard to imagine that that young boy would go on to become one of the very few players in football history capable of matching a record held by one of our most mythical stars: Paco Gento and his 6 European Cups,\" added Perez<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAnd that's not all. That boy would also go on to lift the most trophies in Real Madrid history: 12 seasons in the first team, 26 titles. Throughout your time at Real Madrid, you have been an example of these values. You have always shown conduct and an attitude that those of us fortunate enough to see you grow up here at Real Madrid City, which has been your home for the majority of your life, will never forget,\" concluded the Real Madrid President.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cYou arrived at Real Madrid as a boy. It was 2001 and you were just 10 years old. Since then, you have played at every level of the Real Madrid academy and played a key role in one of the most significant winning periods in our history. It was hard to imagine that that young boy would go on to become one of the very few players in football history capable of matching a record held by one of our most mythical stars: Paco Gento and his 6 European Cups,\" added Perez<\/p>\r\n\r\n