It would be pointless for Real Madrid to tell Iker Casillas “no hard feelings.”
Casillas bid a tearful farewell to Real Madrid at a press conference Sunday following the announcement of his transfer to FC Porto. Casillas joins the Portuguese club from Real Madrid after 25 years — 16 of which he spent in the first team, with which he spent the last 25 years (at youth and first-team levels) and won 19 major trophies, in one of the most surprising transfers in recent history.
Casillas, 34, barely had the chance to sit down amid a flurry of flash photography before he broke down in tears. This truly was unlike any press conference Casillas has conducted during his storied Real Madrid career, during which he served as club captain between 2010 and 2015.
https://youtu.be/ekzoey2Dqa8
Casillas then composed himself and addressed the media.
“After 25 years defending the shirt of the biggest club in the world, there’s come the difficult day to say goodbye to an institution that has evidently given me everything,” Casillas read from a prepared statement, according to Sky Sports. “I arrived here when I was nine, put on the white shirt and it was a dream come true.
“Real Madrid were responsible for my development more than anyone, they helped me to mature, instilling in me their values of respect. camaraderie, commitment and, above all, humility.
“I’ll never be able to forget you, and you can be certain that wherever I go, I will continue to shout, ‘Hala Madrid’.”
Casillas also revealed why he chose to join FC Porto.
“The decision to leave for Porto is due to two fundamental reasons,” according to Sky Sports. “The first is the hunger displayed by the president (Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa), the sporting director Antero (Henrique) and the manager Julen Lopetegui, and above all the rest of the team.
“The second is the many signs of affection I’ve received as people have learnt that my future is in Portugal. They’ve won me over, and I’m very happy, very content.
“I will do everything possible to not let them down, and I will fight to my maximum to win the greatest number of titles possible with my new team.”
Casillas didn’t take questions from reporters. He instead stood up, waved and walked out the door. Real Madrid unfollowed Casillas on Twitter hours later, according to 101 Great Goals.
Thanks for nothing.
Casillas to join FC Porto from Real Madrid >>
Thumbnail photo via Oscar del Pozo/The Associated Press
