Casillas shed tears as he bids farewell to Real Madrid

Real have just confirmed that they will sell their captain goalkeeper to FC Porto, after a quarter of a century of association.

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

Casillas (in blue) has played 725 matches for Real. Photo: Reuters

Casillas started his association with Real at the age of nine when he joined the youth academy. From this starting point, the goalkeeper born in 1981 went on to become a first-team player and won every title in football.

According to Madrid press, the amount that Porto must pay Real to get Casillas is around 4-7 million dollars. This goalkeeper will receive a salary of 3.5 million at the new club, half of what he received at Real.

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

"It's hard to say goodbye after 25 years. Real created me and helped me grow into who I am today. No matter where I go, I will always support the team."

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

Real also has a plan to replace Casillas from next season. If they cannot buy David de Gea from Man Utd, the 10-time European champions will turn to Kiko Casilla of Espanyol.

Casillas is not the first big name to leave Spanish top flight football this summer. Last month, his Spain teammate Xavi left when he left Barca to sign for Al-Sadd.

According to VNE