David Fernandez has left his coaching post at Espanyol to join Real Madrid.

Marca says eager to tempt more players from Catalonia, Los Blancos have lured the head of the Periquitos' Cadete A youth side and Fernandez has expressed his gratitude for his former club in a farewell letter.

"Being half of my life in a club like Espanyol is one of the best things that has happened to me," he wrote.

"Whatever happens and wherever I will be, the club will be part of me."

Fernandez was part of Espanyol's football structure for the past 15 years.