Real Madrid president Florentino Perez insisted on Monday that the club did not pressurize the club’s iconic goalkeeper Iker Casillas to leave for FC Porto after 25 years with them.
After a tearful farewell news conference by the captain on Sunday, Perez surprised reporters by summoning 34-year-old Casillas to appear alongside him, holding a tribute with fans at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Following claims that Casillas had been shunted out the back door to make way for reported transfer target David de Gea of Manchester United, Perez said Casillas himself had asked for a transfer.
Photo: EPA
“No one in Real Madrid asked him to leave the club. A few days ago he received an offer from Porto, which he told us of immediately, and asked us to take it into consideration and make an agreement,” Perez said.
Casillas said at an emotional news conference on Sunday that he was persuaded to leave by Porto’s “hunger” and the affection shown him by the Portuguese team.
However, on Monday, he alluded to the tough time he has had over the past few years at Real.
“I thank all the Real Madrid fans who have rallied round and supported me, and to those I have had disagreements with, I am truly sorry,” he said.
Spanish media have widely reported bad blood between Casillas and Perez, but the two made a show of unity on Monday.
“There has been a lot of pressure on him the past two years, so although I would have liked him to finish his sporting career in our club, I have to accept his decision,” Perez said of Casillas.
“It is only human for people to want to express themselves, but it is clearly in the past now,” Casillas said. “I keep with me just the good parts, the best times I have had with the fans in this stadium.”
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