Real Madrid have confirmed the departure of club captain Iker Casillas to Porto, ending his 25-year association with the club.
Speculation has surrounding Casillas all summer long as Los Blancos look to ramp up their efforts to sign David de Gea from Manchester United. The 34-year-old was not prepared to play second fiddle to de Gea should he sign, and despite saying he wanted to stay, realised he would have to leave for first team football.
A number of clubs were linked with the multiple trophy winner, but in the end it its Porto who get their man.
A statement on Real’s official statement read: “Real Madrid and FC Porto have reached an agreement for the transfer of Iker Casillas to the Portuguese club.
“For Real Madrid today is a day gratitude and acknowledgement. Today the best goalkeeper in the history of Real Madrid and of our country leaves the club to begin a new stage in his career.”
Casillas will hold a news conference at the Santiago Bernabeu a midday on Sunday to say farewell to the fans.
The goalkeper is without a doubt the greatest keeper to play for Real and Spain. At club level, he played 725 times of Los Blancos, winning five La Liga titles, three Champions League trophies, two Copas del Rey, the European Super Cup, Spanish Supercopa and World Club Cup.
As well as being the most capped played for his country, he as also lifted the World Cup and two European Championships.
I’m happy to see Casillas being out of the team this time around, congratulations have good lucky there in FC PORTO,re-be the best again.
We wishe you all success in FC Porto, still be with you in our spirit and remember as a good person. We are all in support of you wherever you go. Good bye! Good bye!! Good bye!!!
WE ARE VERY HAPPY WITH ALL YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS DURING YOUR DAYS AT MADRID,WE WISH YOU GOOD LUCK AND MORE SUCCESS AHEAD.HALLA MADRID.