Nacho confirms stay with Real Madrid for at least one year, takes over captaincy

Madrid [Spain], June 12 : Real Madrid defender Nacho confirmed he will stay with the team despite interest shown by clubs like Roma, Inter Milan and the Major League Soccer in the United States.

According to Goal.com, Nacho will also wear the club's armband and has taken over the position of captain from Karim Benzema, who recently left Real Madrid after an illustrious 14 years with the club.

"I have decided to stay at Real Madrid. There are offers as always but I want to stay one more year, I am so happy about it," he said.

The defender has made over 300 appearances for the Spanish giants ever since starting his senior career with its B team, joining the club in 2011. He has won the UEFA Champions League with the club five times and La Liga on three occasions. Nacho has been associated with Real Madrid for his entire career.

Earlier in June, it was announced that Benzema will leave the club after his contract expires at the end of the season.

Real Madrid released a statement about the departure of the veteran striker.

"Real Madrid CF and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to end his brilliant and unforgettable period as a player for our club. Real Madrid wants to show its gratitude and all its affection for who is already one of our greatest legends," it said.

In 2009, at the age of 21 Karim Benzema found his way to Los Blancos and since then he has been a fundamental figure in creating a golden decade for the Spanish Giants.

After spending fourteen seasons with the club he has won 25 titles, a record number for Real Madrid, 5 European Cups, 5 Club World Cups, 4 European Super Cups, 4 Leagues, 3 Copas del Rey and 4 Spanish Super Cups.

The Frenchman has made a remarkable 647 appearances for Real Madrid, and he is the second all-time goalscorer for Real Madrid with 353 goals behind Cristiano Ronaldo (450).

Along with this, he is also the fourth goalscorer in the history of the UEFA Champions League.

Earlier, a report from ESPN suggested that Benzema received a two-year deal worth EUR400 million to relocate to Saudi Arabia in January. Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr after leaving Manchester United, also received a similar offer.

The centre-forward was expected to stay at Madrid for one more season till June 2024, but is instead now opting for a new challenge at this stage of his career.

However, Madrid will hunt for someone else to bolster the assault. Madrid is in advanced talks to sign Joselu on a loan to replace Mariano Diaz.