Casillas calls time on glittering career

Former Real Madrid and Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas has announced his retirement from football aged 39.

Most recently at Porto, Casillas made 725 appearances for Real during a glittering career at the Bernabeu, which saw him win three Champions Leagues and five La Liga titles.

The stopper was also an integral part of the Spain teams that won the 2010 World Cup and two successive European Championships in 2008 and 2012.

Casillas signed for Porto in 2015 and made 156 appearances for the Portuguese side, winning two Primeira Liga titles and a Portuguese Cup. However, he has not played since a heart attack suffered during training in April 2019.

Announcing his retirement on social media, Casillas said: "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."

Ramos tribute 

In total, Casillas won 167 international caps for Spain - only defender Sergio Ramos ever making more appearances for the national side.

Real Madrid defender Ramos posted a photo of himself with Casillas on Twitter as a tribute to his former team-mate.

Meanwhile, a statement on Real's website honoured the club 'legend'. 

"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."

.@IkerCasillas pic.twitter.com/5hKGgX6EB4

— Sergio Ramos (@SergioRamos) August 4, 2020