Real Madrid has even been one of the finest soccer clubs every player wants to play for for a maximum time in his professional career but not everyone succeeds in doing what Iker Casillas has done playing for the Spanish giant. The 34-year-old Spanish footballer ended his 25-year-old relationship with Santiago Bernabéu side when he decided to move to Porto. It was an emotional moment for the goalie who has so long been the integral part of one one of the biggest soccer playing sides on earth, and like always, he was more than happy to serve them so long. Age used to be his biggest hurdle else he was having two more years in his contract but after three unsuccessful seasons; it was probably the right for him to voluntarily say goodbye to Spanish fans. While on the other side, Portuguese side Porto is happy to have the Real man with them and ready to welcome him when he plays his first game in Portugal. This is not all of a sudden move actually, in fact, rumors were in the air for long that Casillas is looking for a switch for a fresh start in the last phase of his career like what other former greats have done in their careers hence even Real did not object over his release.
To talk about his retirement in great length and breadth, Casillas will be hosting a press meet on Sunday at noon local time at the Bernabeu stadium where he is expected to reveal his future plans and reasons that forced him to take the extreme step. Informing about the developments, club announces via its official website, “Real Madrid and FC Porto have reached an agreement for the transfer of Iker Casillas to the Portuguese club. For Real Madrid today is a day gratitude and acknowledgement. Today the best goalkeeper in the history of Real Madrid and of our country leaves the club to begin a new stage in his career.”
If we rely on the preliminary reports coming from Porto, Casillas could sign a two year deal along with 50% of his wages that he will continue getting from Spanish side as confirmed by the Real. Club statement further adds, “Iker has managed to become one of our main reference points and has earned the respect, admiration and affection of fans beyond colours and feelings. Iker is gone, but his example remains. His behaviour during the 725 matches played with our shirt shows the way to those who dream of being part of this team.
“Thanks, Iker, for everything. Thanks for being a symbol of the best in our history. You belong forever to the heart of Real Madrid.”