So Diego Lopez has started his third game under new manager Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti and rumours are abound that Iker Casillas could well be on his way out of the club. The only people who do not seem to buy into this are Madridistas – Iker’s biggest fans, and here is why.
Iker Casillas, 32, is a national hero in Spain; he is revered for his commitment to the Real Madrid side and National team, giving him his much credited title of San Iker.
Joining the club from a young age, Casillas has remained deeply dedicated to the team and has always remained with Los Blancos despite numerous bids and interest from many other successful teams, including those in the Premier League.
Recent interest has come from Arsenal, who, with the transfer window due to close, may make a bid for the goalkeeper. Over 14 years of excellent service and a little pressure from Diego López is not going to scare Casillas from his beloved team.
Madridistas everywhere would agree Casillas is more than just a goalie; he is part of the Real Madrid family. San Iker has developed a close relationship with his fans over the years and has been through the team’s darker hours as well as shining through the years of success, making him an unforgettable member of the club.
Apart from his superb skills (evident from his numerous awards and titles), Casillas became skipper of Los Blancos after the departure of the legendary Raul, and no player would have been better suited to the role than the Spanish no.1.
Needless to say the club wouldn’t be the same without him. Casillas remains ones of the most highly respected players for the club and its fans because of all of his hard work and devotion – being one of the more charitable and humble galacticos. No doubt he will enter the history books alongside other Real Madrid greats.
The media love him – anyone who has seen Marca’s relentless pro Iker propaganda can attest to this. Madridistas love him and almost all the Spanish people love him. Casillas is one of the few players that transcends the Catalan / Castilian rivalry, with even die hard Barcelona fans having a soft spot for him. Barcelona are even thought to be keen on replacing Casillas with the outgoing Valdes should the opportunity arise.
Not only this, but in a club where managers come and go more frequently than under Roman Abramovich, Iker is a figure head that provides stability and a constant presence for fans. He has played a massive 476 times for Madrid and has been capped a record 149 times for La Roja. Put simply, Casillas is an idol for fans and an inspiration for younger players. New born babies are named after San Iker and Madridistas continue to chant his name in games awaiting the return of the Capitán.
Backed up by his army of fans and the Spanish media that appreciate him, Iker should be back where he belongs, in between the posts at the Bernabeu – after all he is still the Spanish no.1.
Real Madrid, as successful as it is, is not the same without Casillas and Casillas belongs nowhere else other than his Real Madrid. López may be a good goalkeeper but he has incredibly large gloves to fill and will always be the second best choice for the majority fans. Casillas’ reign should not come to such a sudden end no matter how good López’s form is. Put simply, Iker is Madrid.
Do you agree? Comment below or tweet us @LaFootyettes.
11 years ago
Move on, as should Casillas. Strange how two top managers, Special One and Carlo both take the view that Iker is no longer No1 at R.M. He has a part in the clubs history but is not a demi-god who should still be in nets when he hits 120 or whatever.
Carlo should quietly ship him out on loan or better still pay to get rid.
11 years ago
It seems that playing the keeper in form is a foreign concept for the majority of real madrid fans. Too much time spent reading marca and not enough analysing the problems with set pieces and iker’s faults.
11 years ago
I agree with the young lady who wrote the article,the fact that spain are still dominant in world football and he is still spains number one is surely proof enough,the fact he doesnt want to leave madrid he must believe he can regain top spot,could it be a clash of personalities at the club rather then goalkeeping ability.id also say he is probably the most well known goalkeeper in the game at the moment and could walk into any premiership team,he would be welcome down the new den any time ,hope he likes pie and mash or jellied eels .
11 years ago
I just seen a post by millwall boy talking about world class goalkeepers .dont get any of them down millwall .he needs to follow a better team
11 years ago
Belie e it or not i work so i can.afford sky sports so can watch la liga .millwall have had their fair share of good keepers .the great alex stepney .brian king.americas kasey keller.and rep of irelands tony forde..the goalkeeper the young lady was referring to from what i hear turned down arswnal clearly he thought he was better if in real second team.i heard a rumour arsenal actaually employ scouts to go to all the travelling circus and see if they can find any more clowns to play in goal to add the the clowns theyve had since seaman left
11 years ago
do you know if any body put in offer for he or he asked for a transfer.would love to find out
11 years ago
No official offer was made, quite if Iker will be happy to stay in jan if he’s still on the bench remains to be seen. Barcelona are ones to watch – will they be that cheeky?