Casillas to leave Real Madrid for FC Porto

Real Madrid have reached agreement with Portuguese side FC Porto for the transfer of goalkeeper and captain Iker Casillas, the Spanish club announced on Saturday.

Casillas leaves a club with which he grew up, joining Real's youth academy aged nine in 1990 and winning 19 trophies during his 16 seasons as a professional.

"Real Madrid and FC Porto have agreed the transfer of Iker Casillas to the Portuguese club," Real Madrid said in a statement.

"One of the best goalkeepers in this club is not just leaving, today the greatest goalkeeper in the history of the club and in the history of Spanish football is moving on to a new stage in his footballing career."

A World Cup winner and two-time European champion with Spain, Casillas has clinched five Spanish titles, three Champions League trophies and two King's Cup crowns since making his first-team debut with Real Madrid in 1999.

The 34-year-old Casillas had two years left on his contract, but Real Madrid are reported to be interested in recruiting Manchester United's 24-year-old Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea.

Casillas had fallen out of favour during Jose Mourinho's reign at Real but returned to the side after the Portuguese left for Chelsea, winning the Champions League for a third time in 2014.

"For Real Madrid today is a day, above all, of thanks and recognition .... This goodbye evokes thousands of sensations and memories charged with hope, anticipation, sacrifice, strength and unique triumph," the club said.

"Iker is leaving, but his legacy is here forever. His attitude and actions in the 725 games he played in the our jersey shine a light on the path for those who dream of being part of this team.

"Thank you Iker, for everything you have done. Thank you for being a symbol of the best in our history. You are going but we will never forget that you'll always belong to the heart of Real Madrid."

Porto, coached by former Real Madrid and Spain goalkeeper Julen Lopetegui, will compete in next season's Champions League after finishing runners-up to Benfica in the 2014-15 Portuguese season.

Lopetugui already has six Spaniards in his squad and both his assistant coaches are Spanish.
Source: AFP