Legendary former goalkeeper Jose Luis Chilavert has back fellow custodian Iker Casillas after the Real Madrid man came in for heavy criticism following Spain’s early exit from the World Cup.
The 32-year-old shot stopper, who helped Los Blancos win the Copa del Rey and Champions League this season, played in Spain’s first two matches of the World Cup in Brazil, where they lost 5-1 to Holland and 2-0 to Chile. He was dropped to the bench as La Roja, winners of the competition four years ago, ran out 3-0 winners in a dead rubber against Australia.
Many pundits in Spain have called for Casillas to be replaced in the national side, but Chilavert – famous for his expertise in free kicks and penalty taking – backed the Los Blancos captain.
The ex-goalie, working in Brazil for RCN Radio Colombia, wrote an open letter in which he stated he considers Casillas as one of the greatest keepers of all time.
He wrote:”I would love him to read this letter so he knows how much people and ex-professionals like me value him. For me, Iker is still the best in the world and by far. I would also like to express my support for all the ‘La Roja’ players, who have given us so much football.”
He continued: “I’ve always thought you are an exceptional keeper, the best by far of our kind. […] Those who criticise you don’t have a clue about the game and what it means to have done what you have.”
