Cannavaro touched by Real fans applause

Fabio Cannavaro took his leave of Real Madrid’s fans on a losing note on Sunday but insisted he had enjoyed his time in Spain.

The Italian World Cup winning skipper was substituted 10 minutes into the second half of the 1-3 loss to Mallorca, the club’s final home game of the season.

The fans gave him a solid round of applause which drew thanks afterwards from the player.

“I have had three fantastic seasons, it has been an incredible experience winning two leagues and being in the Real Madrid dressing room,” Cannavaro said.

“I have always tried to be professional and give everything, I think the fans appreciate that and it was amazing to hear them chanting my name at the end.

“It was sad to finish my time at the club losing but after the defeat by Barcelona it has been very difficult for us to bounce back.

“The loss to Barcelona has definitely been the lowest point of my time here.”

The 35-year-old world player of the year in 2006 following Italy’s World Cup triumph in Germany has re-signed for Juventus for next season

The centre-back was born in Naples and played for home-town club Napoli for three seasons before joining Parma in 1995, with whom he won the UEFA Cup and two Italian Cups over a seven year period.

He left to join Inter Milan in 2002 but after only two seasons moved on to Juventus.

Upon joining Real Madrid in 2006 he helped the club win back-to-back Spanish league titles.