Iker Casillas to Porto: Almost Done

Real Madrid has reportedly agreed terms with Porto to sell their legendary goal keeper Iker Casillas.

‘Countdown’ reads the headline in Marca, who picture the legendary Spain stopper and say that both parties want the deal to go through as quickly as possible. The deal could be closed as soon as Friday.

‘Casillas rocks Porto’ runs the headline on the front cover of AS, who say that his signing has caused a stir all over Portugal. Reports even indicate that the Spanish international is ready to take a wage cut to have a full pre-season with his new club. Casillas has been a fan favourite for many years and is the longest serving player in the current squad.

Coming through the the youth academy, Casillas quickly climbed up the ranks, and made his debut at age of 19. After that, he quickly established himself as one of the best in the world, and played a vital role in captaining the Spanish side in an era of domination, winning 2008, 2012 Euro Cups, as well as 2010 World Cup.

But the downfall of ‘San Iker’ as he is called began after a rift with Jose Mourinho in 2013, in which he was dropped to the bench and Diego Lopez was the first choice keeper.

Although Carlo Ancelloti reinstated Casillas back between the sticks, his performances never touched the old heights again, and he was even booed by some section of the fans.

But now, as the move seems imminent, it surely is end of an era, and he will definitely be missed at the Bernabéu. For Iker, it’s a new challenge at a new club, which may not be as big as Real Madrid, but nonetheless a great club with rich history.

The departure of Casillas will also smooth the way for David de Gea’s expected transfer from Manchester United, though the Premier League club are digging in their heels and want defender Sergio Ramos in exchange.