Full Real Madrid communique:
Real Madrid C. F. and FC Porto have agreed for the sale of Iker Casillas to the Portuguese club.
Today for Real Madrid, is a day, above all, of thanks and acknowledgement. One of the club’s best ever players is leaving us. Today a new chapter begins for the best goalkeeper in the history of Real Madrid and the history of Spanish football.
There is therefore in this goodbye, plenty of sensations and memories; full of hope, sacrifice, dreams, effort and unique triumphs. Iker Casillas has brought so much to the Real Madrid club badge. He has been our captain and carved out his name in football since joining Real Madrid as a child of just nine years of age.
Real Madrid are 113 years old and Casillas has been with us for 25 of those years. During this time Iker has established himself as one of football’s greats and has gained respect and admiration from football fans everywhere, irrespective of their team loyalties.
3 European Cups, 1 Club World Cup, 2 Intercontinental Cups, 2 Euro Super Cups, 5 League titles, 2 Copa del Rey wins and 4 Spanish Super Cups with Real Madrid, along with 1 World Cup and 2 Euro Cups with the Spanish national team are part of his personal history. There are more awards: Zamora and Bravo trophies as well as being nominated ‘Best goalkeeper in the World’ on five occasions. He also won the ‘Príncipe de Asturias’ award for sport.
The list is impressive and never ending, but above all, he is a badge of pride for all Real Madrid fans. Iker is leaving but his legacy will remain. His performances during his 725 games for the club are an example for the rest who are involved in the club.
Thanks Iker, for all you have done. Thanks for playing a part in our history. Although you are leaving, never forget that you will always have Real Madrid in your heart.