Florentino Perez: Iker Casillas asked to leave Real Madrid
Monday 13 July 2015 15:42, UK
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez insists the club did not pressurise Iker Casillas into leaving and that it was the goalkeeper himself who asked to be sold.
Casillas gave an emotional farewell press conference on Sunday.
It was reported in the Spanish media that Casillas was forced out of the club he had been at for 25 years to make room for transfer target David De Gea from Manchester United but Perez denies this was the case.
Perez said: “We can only respect and accept that, because he has earned that right.
“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.
"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.”
Casillas said the hunger and affection shown to him by Porto were key in persuading him to leave Madrid as he alluded to the tough time he has had over the past few years at Madrid.
“I thank all the Real Madrid fans who have rallied around and supported me, and to those I have had disagreements with, I am truly sorry,” said the 34-year-old.
"It is only human for people to want to express themselves, but it is clearly in the past now.
"I keep with me just the good parts, the best times I have had with the fans in this stadium."
