Lisbon, Aug 1 (IANS) Spanish football great Iker Casillas has admitted that his decision to sign with FC Porto was influenced by the prospect of working with the Portuguese team’s Spanish head coach Julen Lopetegui, who used to coach the goalkeeper at Real Madrid’s reserve side, Castilla.
In an interview with the official club magazine, Dragoes, former Real Madrid goalkeeper Casillas on Friday acknowledged that he decided on Porto “mainly for the trust and closeness with Julen Lopetegui”, reports Efe.
The Spain captain said he had some offers that did not attract him and that he wanted to leave Spain. To him, signing for Porto was a way to let go of his past in Spain and devote himself to a club outside his country, but still close.
Casillas said Porto’s having been a champion not too long ago also influenced his decision.
The newcomer said that “a club like Porto,” which has gone two seasons without winning a trophy, needs to win trophies every year.
Casillas’ personal record includes three European Cups, a Club World Cup, two Intercontinental Cups, two European Super Cups, five La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey titles and four Spanish Super Cups, all achieved while with Real Madrid.
The star keeper was also the winner of a World Cup and two European Championships with the Spanish national team.