MX23RW : Sunday, December 15 01:48:31| >> :120:10870:10870:

Spain, Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas announces retirement

The goalkeeper captained Spain to World Cup glory.

Former Spain and Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas has announced his retirement from football at the age of 39.

Casillas, who finished his playing days at Porto, won the World Cup and two European Championships during an illustrious international career.

He lifted five LaLiga titles and the Champions League three times with Real, making 725 appearances for the Spanish giants over 16 seasons between 1999 and 2015.

“The important thing is the path you travel and the people who accompany you, not the destination that it takes you,” Casillas posted on Instagram alongside a lengthy retirement letter.

“Because that with work and effort comes alone and I think I can say, without hesitation, that it has been the path and the dream destination.”

Casillas won 167 caps for Spain, bettered only by Sergio Ramos, and was captain when they became world champions in 2010 and triumphed at Euro 2008 and Euro 2012.

Iker Casillas won 167 caps for Spain
Iker Casillas won 167 caps for Spain (Lynne Cameron/PA)

He sits second on the list of all-time appearances for Real, with only former team-mate Raul having made more.

The keeper also won two Portuguese titles at Porto after leaving the Bernabeu in 2015 but did not play again for the club after suffering a heart attack in training last year.

Real hailed Casillas as the club’s greatest goalkeeper and one of their finest players.

“Real Madrid wants to show its appreciation, admiration and affection for one of the greatest legends of our club and world soccer,” read a statement on the Spanish champions’ website.

“The best goalkeeper in the history of Real Madrid and Spanish football came to our house when he was nine years old.

“Today, one of the most important footballers in our 118-year history, a player whom we love and admire, a goalkeeper who has enlarged the legend of Real Madrid with his work and with exemplary behaviour both inside and outside, says goodbye as a professional player.

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

ID:409054: cacheID:409054:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:19596:
Written by
P A
Restore Data
Share this article now:
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Chiefs
@
Browns
6pm
Ravens
@
Giants
6pm
Jets
@
Jags
6pm
Cowboys
@
Panthers
6pm
Washington
@
Saints
6pm
Dolphins
@
Texans
6pm
Bengals
@
Titans
9.25pm
Colts
@
Broncos
9.25pm
Patriots
@
Cardinals
9.25pm
Buccaneers
@
Chargers
9.25pm
Steelers
@
Eagles
9.25pm
Bills
@
Lions
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona17122350193138
2Real Madrid17114237162137
3Atletico MadridAtletico16105130111935
4Athletic Bilbao1795326151132
5Mallorca188371821-327
6Villarreal157532725226
7Osasuna176742225-325
8Real Sociedad167361611524
9GironaGirona176472325-222
10Sevilla176471823-522
11Real BetisBetis165651820-221
12Celta Vigo176382528-321
13Rayo Vallecano165561819-120
14Las PalmasLas Palmas165382227-518
15Getafe163761113-216
16AlavesAlaves164391827-915
17Leganes163671423-915
18Espanyol1642101528-1314
19Real ValladolidValladolid1733111234-2212
20Valencia152491323-1010


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!