SOCCER-SPAIN/CASILLAS Casillas leaves Real for new challenge at Porto

Record ID: 147554

  • Title: SOCCER-SPAIN/CASILLAS Casillas leaves Real for new challenge at Porto
  • Date: 11th July 2015
  • Summary: MADRID, SPAIN (FILE - JULY 13, 2010) (REUTERS) SPANISH FLAGS FLYING OUT OF COCKPIT OF PLANE AS VICTORIOUS SPANISH SIDE RETURN FROM WINNING 2010 WORLD CUP SECURITY IN FRONT OF PLANE CASILLAS STEPPING OUT OF PLANE HOLDING WORLD CUP TROPHY VARIOUS OF CASILLAS COMING DOWN STAIRS OF PLANE WITH TROPHY SPANISH PLAYERS COMING DOWN STAIRS CASILLAS HOLDING TROPHY NEXT TO SPANISH COA
  • Embargoed: 26th July 2015 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVA2TUCPCESTN0UG5FYMQHKVGFD8
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: Real Madrid goalkeeper and captain Iker Casillas is leaving after 16 seasons in the first team to join former European champions Porto, the La Liga club said on Saturday.
    Casillas, 34, became a hero for club and country during a glittering career, when he won titles including three Champions Leagues with Real and the World Cup and two European Championship trophies with Spain.
    But in recent years he lost some of the sheen that earned him the nickname "Saint Iker" and last term was regularly whistled by disgruntled fans at the Bernabeu as the world's richest club ended the campaign without major silverware.
    The expected arrival of Manchester United's David De Gea, the 24-year-old former Atletico Madrid man who is being groomed to take over as Spain keeper, will also have contributed to Casillas's decision to move on.
    Regular playing time for Porto, coached by Spaniard Julen Lopetegui, should allow Casillas to extend his international career at least until next year's European Championship in France.
    Casillas made his debut for Real in September 1999, aged 18, and as well as three European crowns has also won five La Liga titles, two King's Cups and one Club World Cup.
    "Thank you Iker, for everything," Real said on their website (www.realmadrid.com). "Thank you for being a symbol of the best in our history. You are leaving but we will not forget that you belong in Real Madrid's heart forever."
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