Casillas shed tears as he bid farewell to Real Madrid.

Real Madrid has just confirmed that they will sell their captain and goalkeeper to FC Porto, after a quarter-century with the club.

"Real and Porto have reached an agreement for the transfer of Iker Casillas," the announcement released on the evening of July 11 stated. "The greatest goalkeeper in the history of Real and Spanish football will enter a new phase. Thank you, Iker, for everything you have given to the team. Iker is leaving, but the legacy he leaves behind at Real will live on forever."

Casillas (in the blue shirt) played 725 matches for Real Madrid. Photo: Reuters

Casillas began his association with Real Madrid at the age of nine when he joined the youth academy. From this starting point, the goalkeeper, born in 1981, rose to the first team and won every title in football.

According to Madrid newspapers, the amount Porto will pay Real Madrid for Casillas is between $4 and $7 million. The goalkeeper will earn a salary of $3.5 million at his new club, half of what he earned at Real Madrid.

"I want to say goodbye to all of you, the passionate Real Madrid fans," Casillas said at his farewell press conference. "From today, I am no longer a Real Madrid player."

"It's difficult to say goodbye after 25 years. Real Madrid created me and helped me become who I am today. Wherever I go, I will always support the team."

Casillas cried when announcing his departure from Real Madrid. Photo: Reuters.

Real Madrid also has a plan to replace Casillas from next season. If they fail to sign David de Gea from Manchester United, the ten-time European champions will turn to Kiko Casilla of Espanyol.

Casillas is not the first big name to leave top-level Spanish football this summer. Last month, a teammate of his in the Spanish national team, Xavi, also departed when he left Barca to sign with Al-Sadd.

According to VNE