DBasia.news – Former goalkeeper for the Spanish national team, Iker Casillas officially ended his career as a football player. The 39-year-old player announced his decision to retire on Tuesday (4/8).
Casilla was indeed at the end of his career after suffering a heart attack in May 2019 while still defending FC Porto. Since then he has never played again even though he is still in the squad.
Rumors of Casillas’ retirement grew even stronger in February. At that time he ran in the candidacy for President of the RFEF (Spain’s PSSI).
But at that time Casillas had not announced his retirement from the world of football. The 39-year-old player is still part of FC Porto and lifted the Portuguese Cup trophy which was won last weekend.
“What matters most is the path you take and the people who accompany you, not the goals you want to achieve. I think I can say without hesitation, that this has been the right path to get to that dream destination. Thank you, “wrote Casillas in an upload on social media.
Casillas made his professional debut with Madrid in 1999. At that time he was only 18 years old.
Casillas has been a mainstay of Madrid for more than a decade. He also presented a number of prestigious trophies including five LaLiga titles and three Champions Leagues.
Casillas’ title collection is more complete with trophies at the international level. He has twice won the European Cup (2008 and 2012) and once in the world champion (2010) with Spain.
However, Casillas had to suffer a bad moment at the end of his career. After being banished from Madrid in 2015, he also had a heart attack.
With all his achievements, Casillas deserves the title of legend. Madrid even called him the greatest legend of Los Blancos.
“Real Madrid wants to show recognition, admiration and affection for one of the greatest legends of our club and world football. Iker Casillas is in Real Madrid’s hearts forever.” read the statement.
“Real Madrid would like to convey to him and his family the love for our club, which is the club in his life.”