Former Manchester United star Alvaro Fernandez was officially unveiled as Real Madrid’s latest signing.
The 22-year-old defender has completed a £43m (€50m) move to Real Madrid from Benfica, becoming the Spanish side’s latest big-money signing.
Manchester United sold Alvaro Fernandez for just £5m to Benfica in 2024 after he failed to break into the first team at Old Trafford.
United included a buy-back option for Fernandez which was considered as an option by Ineos in January. However, Fernandez did not want to return to United and has instead returned to Madrid.
The Spanish defender spent three years in Madrid’s academy between 2017 and 2020 before he made his move to Manchester. Five years on from his exit, he is back in Madrid.
Alvaro Fernandez speaks after Real Madrid deal completed
Ultimately, United were beaten to Fernandez by Madrid, with Ineos instead choosing to sign Patrick Dorgu in January to fix the lack of depth at left wing-back.
Fernandez was unveiled by Madrid on Tuesday morning, and his comments explain exactly why he snubbed a return to Old Trafford.
As per Fabrizio Romano, Fernandez said: “Coming back to Real Madrid means everything to me. I only wanted to be here”.
Additional quotes from MadridUniversal read: “I left as a boy and I’m coming back as a man. It’s an honour to wear the shirt of the best club in the world.”
“The Spanish defender also thanked his family for their support, saying: “I didn’t want to forget my family, without whom I wouldn’t be here. Thank you very much, and Hala Madrid!“
Florentino Perez welcomes Alvaro Fernandez to Real Madrid
Madrid president Florentino Perez is the man behind the deal, which has seen United pocket £20m from Fernandez thanks to a sell-on clause.
Announcing the deal, Perez welcomed Fernandez to Madrid. As per MadridUniversal, he said: “Today, you’re returning to a city you came to as a child, learning what it means to be part of the most successful club in the world.
“Your dream was to play for the first team, and that’s why, like so many others, you decided to leave and return as the great player you are.
“Dear Real Madrid fans, today one of our youth players returns, today one of our own arrives at Madrid, having become one of the best defenders in European football.
“The Bernabeu awaits you; today marks the beginning of a period of intense emotions for you. Welcome home, welcome to Real Madrid.”
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