People are tired of my face, says Iker Casillas

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas has said people are tired of his face after being a key member of the side for the last 15 years.

The 33-year-old has been jeered by a small section of his own fans at times this season as they want Keylor Navas to start in goal ahead of the World Cup winner. His reputation took a hit during the summer as Spain crashed out early from the World Cup, while Los Blancos also conceded some silly goals early on in the campaign.

But speaking to journalists after taking part in his side’s 5-0 win over Athletic Bilbao, Casillas became philosophical and said people just want change.

“It’s important for people to be with the team. The players have more confidence when they feel wanted. And the players respond to the fans’ appreciation. I can understand that people are tired of my face because I’ve been here for 15 years. But this is my own doing. I’ve taken a small place in the history of Madrid,” he said to reporters.

Speaking about the game itself, Casillas said he was delighted with another clean sheet and three points.

“The clean sheet is important because we’ve been on a run of conceding goals and I feel like we’ve got the support of the people. This is what everyone wants. Athletic didn’t stop and the result could have been different,” he said.