Iker Casillas has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 39. The former Real Madrid and Spain captain last played for Porto in May 2019, before suffering a heart attack in training which forced him to rest from active playing. Casillas made 725 appearances for Real Madrid during a 16-year career at the Bernabeu, winning three Champions League and five La Liga titles before joining the Portuguese champions.
He also helped Spain win the 2010 World Cup and two successive European Championships in 2008 and 2012.
Announcing his retirement on Twitter, Casillas said: “The important thing is the path you travel and the people who accompany you, not the destination to which it takes you.
Lo importante es el camino que recorres y la gente que te acompaña, no el destino al que te lleva, porque eso con trabajo y esfuerzo, llega solo y creo que puedo decir, sin dudar, que ha sido el camino y el destino soñado #Grac1as pic.twitter.com/xb8ucs9REh
— Iker Casillas (@IkerCasillas) August 4, 2020
“I think I can say, without hesitation, that it has been the path and the dream destination.”
Real Madrid said Casillas, who joined the Spanish giants at the age of nine, was the best goalkeeper in the 118-year history of the club.
Official Announcement | Iker Casillas pic.twitter.com/ECInhuRVw4
— Real Madrid Info ³⁴ (@RMadridInfo) August 4, 2020
“Real Madrid wants to show its appreciation, admiration and love for one of the greatest legends of our club and world football,” read a statement on the club’s website.
“Iker Casillas belongs to the heart of Real Madrid and will be so forever.”
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