Following a heart attack last year, Real Madrid and Spain great Iker Casillas has announced his retirement.
The 39 years old keeper has not played since suffering a heart attack during training with Porto on May 1 last year, for which he required surgery.
“The important thing is the path you travel and the people who accompany you, not the destination to which it takes you,” the 2010 World Cup-winning captain tweeted.
“Because that with work and effort, I think I can say, without hesitation, that is has been the path and the dream destination.”
Casillas came through Madrid’s academy and established himself in the first team as a teenager. He eventually went on to play 725 times for the club in all competitions, surpassed only by Raul.
He also won the World Cup in 2010.
Madrid issued a statement of their own in response to Casillas’ retirement, declaring him to be the greatest ever keeper in their rich history.
“Real Madrid C. F. wants to show its recognition, admiration and affection for one of the biggest legends of our club and of world football,” the statement read.
“The best goalkeeper in the history of Real Madrid and Spanish football joined us at the age of nine. He was formed here and defended our shirt for 25 years, becoming one of our most emblematic captains of all time.
“Iker Casillas earned the love of Madridismo and is a symbol of the values that Real Madrid represents. Today one of the most important footballers in our 118 years of history calls it a day as a professional player, a player we love and admire, a goalkeeper who has made the Real Madrid legacy bigger with his work and exemplary behaviour both on and off the pitch.”
“Iker Casillas belongs at the heart of Real Madrid and will do so forever. Real Madrid would like to convey to him and his family the love of our club, which is the club of his life.”
