Real Madrid confirm Iker Casillas departure for Porto

Andy West 02:45 12/07/2015
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  • Departing: Iker Casillas

    Iker Casillas has completed his move from Real Madrid to Porto, the Bernabeu giants confirmed late on Saturday night.

    The veteran club captain, who had spent 25 years with Los Blancos after joining the youth setup at the age of nine, had been poised for the switch after accepting an approach from Porto’s Spanish boss Julen Lopetugui midway through the week.

    Completion of the deal was held up by financial negotiations as the two clubs, and another tax-related issue provided another brief delay on Saturday.

    But the transfer was finally confirmed in an emotional club statement released last night, bringing Casillas’ Madrid career to an end after 725 appearances, five La Liga titles and three Champions League crowns.

    “For Real Madrid today is a day, above all else, for gratitude and recognition,” said the statement. “In this goodbye there are millions of sensations and a memory filled with hopes, dreams, sacrifices, effort and unique triumphs.

    “Iker Casillas has made our badge even greater. He has been our captain and forged his legend since arriving as a nine year old boy. Thank you, Iker, for everything you have done. You are going, but we will not forget that you belong forever at the heart of Real Madrid.”

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    In addition to his exploits with Los Blancos, Casillas became a national icon – earning the nickname Saint Iker – by helping Spain to three successive major tournament triumphs as they won the 2008 and 2012 European Championships and the 2010 World Cup.

    Recognising that his contribution spreads wider than Real, the statement added: “Leaving this team and starting a new phase of his career, is the greatest goalkeeper in the history of Real Madrid and in the history of Spanish football.”

    Although the Portuguese club have not yet confirmed, Casillas is expected to sign a two-year deal with Porto.

    But first he will hold a press conference at the Bernabeu to discuss his departure from Madrid, leaving his former club to step up their pursuit of Manchester United’s David De Gea. 

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