Iker Casillas announces his retirement from professional football

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Iker Casillas has declared his retirement from professional football. The former iconic Real Madrid goalkeeper at the age of 39 officially announced his retirement after 22-years of professional career.

Casillas started his career with the Real Madrid youth team, eventually gaining promotion to the main team in 1999. Over a 16-year stay at the Bernabeu, Casillas recorded 725 appearances with Los Blancos earning three Champions League trophies and five La Liga titles.

Casillas helped the Spain National Team to – two consecutive 2008 and 2012 European Championships. He also led Spain to their first World Cup win in 2010, where he kept a joint–record five clean sheets. He won the Yashin Award for the best goalkeeper of the world cup.

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Casillas signed with Portuguese Primeira Liga side – Porto on a two-year deal after enjoying 17 fabulous years at Santiago Bernebeu.

Casillas experienced a heart attack during last year’s Porto training session and hasn’t played any professional games since.

Iker Casillas posted on Social Media:

Lo importante es el camino que recorres y la gente que te acompaña, no el destino al que te lleva, porque eso con trabajo y esfuerzo, llega solo y creo que puedo decir, sin dudar, que ha sido el camino y el destino soñado #Grac1as pic.twitter.com/xb8ucs9REh
— Iker Casillas (@IkerCasillas) August 4, 2020

“The important thing is the path you travel and the people who accompany you, not the destination to which it takes you.

“I think I can say, without hesitation, that it has been the path and the dream destination.”

Real Madrid showed their appreciation:

“Real Madrid wants to show its appreciation, admiration and love for one of the greatest legends of our club and world football.

“The best goalkeeper in the history of Real Madrid and Spanish football came to our house when he was nine years old. Here our bond was formed and defended for 25 years, being forever one of our most iconic captains. Iker Casillas has earned the love of Real Madrid and is a benchmark of the values that represent Real Madrid.

“Casillas belongs to the heart of Real Madrid and will do so forever. Real Madrid wants to convey to him and his family the affection of our club, which is the club of his life.”

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