Real Madrid club captain Nacho Fernandez extends stay

Real Madrid have confirmed that captain Nacho Fernandez has signed a new one-year contract at the club.

The defender, 33, announced earlier this month that he had opted to stay despite previously stating his desire to have more regular first-team football.

A club statement said on Thursday: "Real Madrid and Nacho Fernández have agreed an extension to our captain's contract, keeping him tied to the club until the 30th of June 2024.

"Nacho has represented Real Madrid for 22 years, ever since joining the club's Under-11s academy side back in 2001.

"He has made 319 appearances for the Real Madrid first team, winning 23 trophies: three European Cups, five Club World Cups, four European Super Cups, three LaLiga titles, two Copas del Rey and four Spanish Super Cups."

Spain international Nacho will be the club captain for the upcoming season with Karim Benzema having left the club earlier this month.

"There are always offers from elsewhere, but I've decided to stay for one more year," Nacho told TVE on June 11. "I'm really happy and excited about staying."

Due to injuries to first-choice defenders, Nacho still featured in 27 La Liga games, of which he started 18 and is still a crucial member of the first-team squad.