After 25 years, Iker Casillas is now saying goodbye to his beloved Real Madrid. According to the news reported by the Yahoo, Casillas became emotional as he reads a statement during a press conference after Real Madrid and FC Porto have agreed the transfer of Casillas to the Portuguese club.
He released a statement as quoted by Yahoo news. He said, "After 25 years defending the colors of the best team in the world, the difficult day has arrived when I say goodbye to the institution that has given me so much," Casillas said in what could be his final appearance at the Santiago Bernabeu.
"Thanks, a thousand thanks, I will never forget you. Wherever I go I will continue shouting 'Hala Madrid!'." He said.
"I am going to Porto for two reasons, the first is the excitement that the coach and the president of the Portuguese club have expressed, and, second, because of the messages of support I have received from their fans during these days. They have won me over and their interest has made me very happy. I will fight to the utmost to not let them down and win as many titles as possible." Yahoo news reported.
According to the report released by The Hindu, at 34 years, Casillas leaves a club with which he grew up, joining Real Madrid's youth academy aged nine in 1990 and winning 19 trophies during his 16 seasons as a professional.
Casillas, also famous in his nickname "Saint Iker" for what his supporters considered his miraculous saves, he was reportedly had a hard time to regain his starting job and goalkeeping reflexes, after after being benched by former coach Jose Mourinho, midway through the 2012-13 season, The Hindu news added.
Casillas had two years left on his contract, but the highly-anticipated transfer is seen as an historic turning point for the club who are reported to be trying to recruit Manchester United's David de Gea, a former Atletico Madrid product.
