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Casillas says goodbye to Real Madrid

Xinhua, July 12, 2015 Adjust font size:

Real Madrid captain and goalkeeper Iker Casillas said goodbye to Real Madrid on Sunday in a press conference held in Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid.

Visibly emotional, Casillas, said goodbye to the club which has been part of his life for 25 years. "When I was 9 years-old I wore Real Madrid t-shirt for the first time and I saw my dream came true," he said.

The goal keeper, who is being transferred to FC Porto, thanked everyone for supporting him at "this special time", saying that it was one of the hardest days of his life.

"This club has not only taught me to be a sportsmen but also taught me human values, being, those of respect, camaraderie and humility," he pointed out, while thanking all the coaches he worked with for all the learning.

Casillas, who was not accompanied by any Real officials at the press conference, said he will do all he can and not let Porto down. "I will try to win as many titles as possible with them. Thank you, FC Porto, for trusting me," he said.

Real Madrid said on Saturday "the greatest goalkeeper in the history of the club and in the history of Spanish football" was leaving and "moving on to a new stage in this football career."

Casillas was chosen five times the best goalkeeper in the world. He won three European Cups, one World Club Cup, two Intercontinental Cups, two European Supercoups, five Ligas, two Copas del Rey and four Spanish Supercoups with Real Madrid, along with one World Cup and two European Championships with the ultimate national side. Endi