Iker Casillas is one of the most iconic figures in Real Madrid’s history. He spent 25 years at the club, winning numerous titles and accolades along the way.
However, his departure from Los Blancos in 2015 was not a smooth one. In this article, we’ll take a look at how Iker Casillas left Real Madrid.
Early Career
Iker Casillas joined the Real Madrid academy when he was just nine years old. He quickly rose through the ranks and made his first-team debut in 1999 at the age of 18. Casillas established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world during his time at Real Madrid, winning five La Liga titles and three Champions League trophies.
The Arrival of Jose Mourinho
In 2010, Jose Mourinho was appointed as Real Madrid’s new manager. Mourinho had a reputation for being a no-nonsense coach who demanded complete loyalty from his players. Casillas was initially on good terms with Mourinho but their relationship soon began to deteriorate.
Benching Controversy
During the 2012-13 season, Mourinho benched Casillas for several matches in favor of Diego Lopez. This decision caused controversy among Real Madrid fans and players alike, as Casillas was seen as an integral part of the team.
Injury and Recovery
Casillas suffered a hand injury in January 2013 that kept him out of action for several months. When he returned to full fitness, he found himself behind Diego Lopez in the pecking order. This led to rumors that Casillas would leave Real Madrid at the end of the season.
The Departure
In July 2015, it was announced that Iker Casillas would be leaving Real Madrid to join Portuguese club Porto. The announcement came as a surprise to many fans, who had hoped that Casillas would retire at Real Madrid.
Press Conference
At a press conference announcing his departure, Casillas was visibly emotional. He thanked the fans for their support over the years and expressed his gratitude to Real Madrid for giving him the opportunity to play for such a prestigious club.
Relationship with Florentino Perez
Many people believe that Casillas’ departure was due to his deteriorating relationship with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez. The two men had clashed over several issues in the past, and it’s thought that Perez was eager to move on from Casillas and bring in a younger goalkeeper.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Iker Casillas’ departure from Real Madrid was a sad moment for many fans of the club. However, it was clear that his relationship with the club had soured in recent years, and his move to Porto gave him an opportunity to start afresh. Despite leaving under somewhat acrimonious circumstances, Casillas will always be remembered as one of Real Madrid’s greatest ever players.