Casillas breaks down in tears at his farewell press conference ahead of Porto move

Casillas breaks down in tears at his farewell press conference ahead of Porto move

YEREVAN, JULY 12, ARMENPRESS. Iker Casillas bid an emotional farewell to Real Madrid at his official goodbye press conference. The Los Blancos legend broke down in tears after his move to Porto was confirmed. Casillas joined Real as a nine-year-old, and progressed through the youth ranks to become one of the best goalkeepers of all time.He has played his whole career so far with Real, but suffered indifferent form last year, and has now sealed his switch to Portugal. Casillas made 725 appearances for Real since making his debut for the senior team in 1999. He tearfully struggled to read a statement, the day after the Bernabeu outfit confirmed his departure.

He said: "I have come to this great stadium today to say goodbye to all of you," he said. "Especially to the Madrid fans. As of Saturday I'm no longer a Real Madrid player, now I'll be a Porto player. I am moving to Porto for many reasons. "Firstly I am joining Porto because of the excitement that the coach has transmitted to me. Secondly, because of their affection, they have won me over. "I'll do everything I can to not disappoint them and fight as hard as possible to win as many titles as I possibly can there."

"This club didn't just teach me how to be a sportsman, it taught me how to be a person. I've learned a lot form all of my coaches. They have been a fundamental part of my development and my career. Every day we've been forming a part of Real Madrid and they've always supported me. I want to say thank you to my parents and all my family. Thank you to the Madrid fans for their support, helping me lift every cup, every triumph, for being with me in the good moments and the bad moments. Forgiving me a hand when I needed lifting up. I don't want to be remembered as a good goalkeeper or a bad goalkeeper, I just want to be remembered as a good person, with my faults. Thank you. Thank you. A thousand thank yous. Wherever I go, I will always shout Hala Madrid. I’m sure in the future we’ll see each other. I’m not going to say goodbye, because it’s not goodbye. I hope to see you soon. Thank you, to all of you."

The move opens the door for Real to press ahead with their bid to bring Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea to the club.