‘The Best Goalkeeper In The History,’ Real Madrid Pay Tribute As Iker Casillas Retires

Former Real Madrid legendary goalkeeper Iker Casillas has announced retirement from professional soccer.

Casillas was also an iconic figure in the Spain national team, having led them to a memorable victory at the FIFA World Cup in 2010 and two successive European Championships in 2008 and 2012.

Casillas, who kickstarted his soccer career at Real Madrid’s youth system in 1998, rose through ranks and made his first-team debut for the club the following year. He stayed with the Santiago Bernabeu side until 2015, where he made as many as 725 competitive appearances and won several laurels including three Champions League trophies, five La Liga titles and various other trophies.

After spending 16 years at Real Madrid, Casillas had parted ways with his boyhood club when he moved to Portuguese club Porto in the summer of 2015. He played four full seasons in Portugal, bagging 156 caps, and was also was a part of the squad that clinched four trophies in that period.

During a training session with Porto in April 2019, Casillas suffered a heart attack. While he was recovering, the goalkeeper was given a role in the club's coaching staff in July 2019. He never played for Porto again.

The 39-year-old goalkeeper took to social media Tuesday to break the news of his retirement. "The important thing is the path you travel and the people who accompany you, not the destination to which it takes you. I think I can say, without hesitation, that it has been the path and the dream destination," Casillas wrote on Twitter.

Sergio Ramos, who received the baton from Casillas at Real Madrid and Spain national team, also paid tribute to the eminent skipper.

Real Madrid, a club that had welcomed a nine-year-old Casillas in their academy, termed the veteran the best goalkeeper in their 118-year history.

"The best goalkeeper in the history of Real Madrid and Spanish football joined us at the age of 9. He was formed here and defended our shirt for 25 years, becoming one of our most emblematic captains of all time. Real Madrid wants to show its appreciation, admiration, and love for one of the greatest legends of our club and world football. Iker Casillas belongs to the heart of Real Madrid and will be so forever," read a statement on Real Madrid’s website.