After twenty-five years at Real Madrid - seventeen years in the first team including 725 games - Iker Casillas’ time at the club has come to an end. Along the way he has picked up three European Cups, five league titles, two Copas del Rey, one Intercontinental Cup, three European Supercups, Club World Cup and four Spanish Supercups. In a tearful goodbye, Casillas read out the following statement:
“First of all, thank you for being here, for accompanying me at such a special time. I’ve come to this great stadium to say goodbye to you all, particularly the madridistas. As of yesterday I no longer belong to Real Madrid. The decision to go to Porto is because of the excitement they have transmitted, the chairman, the coach Lopetegui and the whole team. Secondly, because of the affection people have shown me when it was announced Portugal was to be my destination. They’ve won me over and that makes me really happy; I’ll do everything possible not to let them down and I’ll fight as hard as I can. Thank you Porto for the faith you have shown me.”
“Now I would like to address the madridistas. After 25 years defending the badge of the best team in the world, a difficult day has arrived when I have to say goodbye to the institution that has given me everything. It seems like yesterday when, as a child, I wore the shirt for the first time and my dream came true. During this time we've laughed, cried, won, lost... This club has formed me as a person, has helped me grow, with values like respect, camaraderie and, overall, humility. I’ve tried to take these with me wherever I’ve been. I remember every team-mate I’ve had; I’ve experienced unique moments with them and they’ve been my family. I’m leaving great friends behind. And also all my trainers, from the ones I had when I was a kid. From Mezquita, who rescued me, to my last trainer, Carlo Ancelotti. I’ve learned so much from all of them, and the technical staff. They've all shown understanding, wisdom, experience and professionalism.”
“All my love goes to my father and family, who have helped me so much. Particularly my mother and my son, who have been with me on this exciting journey with me every day.”
“I’d like to dedicate these last few lines to madridismo. Thank you for your unconditional support, for helping me to lift every cup, for being there, and holding out your hand to lift me up. Regardless of whether I’ve been a good or bad goalkeeper, I hope people remember me for being a good person, with my flaws and my qualities. Thank you, thank you, thank you so much. I’ll never be able to forget you and wherever I go I’ll still be shouting: Hala Madrid!"