Real Madrid broke the news in a communique saying that the Spanish club and Oporto “have reached a deal on the transfer of Iker Casillas to the Portuguese club”.
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He has played his whole career so far with Real, but suffered indifferent form a year ago, and has now sealed his switch to Portugal. I will miss you and be forever grateful for your advice and for having had a chance to play with you. My decision to go to FC Porto was based on two factors – the enthusiasm that their club president, coach – who I know well – and the staff have transmitted to me.
“I’m very happy and pleased by this interest, and I’ll do all I can to win every possible trophy [with Porto]”.
“For that, thank you Porto for the faith you have shown me”.
Iker Casillas made an emotional farewell at a news conference on Sunday.
In a statement issued on Saturday night, the Merengues said: “For Real Madrid today is a day for thanks and acknowledgement”.
However, Casillas has ironed out his issues with the club and the transfer is now back on.
“Our club is 113 years old and Casillas has worn our jersey for 25 of those years“. This club has educated me as a footballer and as a person, it has helped me grow, filling me with personal values such as commitment and humility. I’m not going to say goodbye, because it’s not goodbye. “I don’t talk with my son anymore”, said his father, “but I want the best for him and I don’t want to see him broke like it’s happening to some football legends”.
Casillas spent 25 years attached to Madrid, during which time he won five league titles, two Copas del Rey and three Champions League trophies.
He is a World Cup victor and two-time European champion with Spain. Casillas’ confidence also appeared to be shaken in the opening match of the 2014 World Cup when he had a awful performance in Spain’s 5-1 loss to the Netherlands.
In 2010 Casillas, now 34, made front pages worldwide in a photograph of him raising the World Cup in South Africa after leading Spain to the title for the first time.
Casillas has hailed de Gea as “a goalkeeper for the present and the future”. They’re not seen but are always there.
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Above all, more so than being remembered as a good or bad goalkeeper, I hope that I’m remembered for being a good person. “You are leaving but we will not forget that you belong in Real Madrid’s heart forever”.
