IKER CASILLAS AAGA RASMI REAL MADRID.
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| Iker Cassilas |
NB:-See "Iker Casillas" farewell speech
This is the transcript of the speech given by Iker Casillas in the Santiago Bernabéu's press room:
“First of all, good afternoon everyone, thank you for being here and
accompanying me at such a special time. Today I have come to this
stadium, this great stadium, to say goodbye to you all, particularly to
the Real Madrid supporters.
As you all know, as of yesterday I am no longer a Real Madrid player and
will now be joining Porto. The decision to join Porto boils down to two
important reasons. Firstly, the excitement conveyed to me by the
president, the director Antero and the manager Julen, who I have know for some time and, above all else, by the whole team.
And secondly, for the affection shown to me since it more or less
became known that Portugal was to be my destination. And in that
respect, they have won me over and that makes me very happy. I will do
my all not to let them down and will fight as hard as I can to win as
many titles as possible with my new team. For that, thank you Porto for
the faith you have shown me.
And now I would like to address the Real Madrid supporters. After 25
years of defending the crest of the world's greatest football team, a
difficult day has arrived in my sporting career. It is time to say
goodbye to this institution which has given me everything. I seems like
only yesterday when as a nine-year-old I put on the Real Madrid jersey
for the first time and my dream came true. During all this time we have
suffered, laughed, cried and celebrated together. I have always felt
supported and very loved, during both the good times as well as during
bad times.
This club has not only taught me to be an athlete, but it has also
shaped me as a person, it has helped me grow, instilling in me the
values its crest represents: respect, camaraderie, commitment and, above
all else, humility. I have always tried to take these values with me
wherever I've travelled to represent Real Madrid.
Today I would also like to remember all the team-mates I have worked
with during each of the seasons I have been here. Over the course of
these years we have experienced unique moments together. These
team-mates are like family to me and we have cried tears of joy and
sadness together.
I am leaving behind great friends but I know that wherever I go I will
always be able to contact them, and likewise they will be able to get in
touch me. I also want to remember all the trainers I have worked under,
beginning with those I had when I started out in the local tournament
with the Losada team. From Mezquita, may you rest in peace, as it was
you who got me started with the Real Madrid under-10 seven-a-side team,
all the way to my last manager, Carlo Ancelotti. I remember them all
because I learned so much from them.
And their technical teams, who for me also played a huge role in my
development and my career as I was able to be part of Real Madrid and
become a football player. They all gave me advice and transmitted wisdom
during the dark moments. We shared a lot of happy times together, and
that's without taking their amble experience and professionalism into
account. I have learned a lot from every one of them.
Of course I also thank all the staff, those behind the scenes, who day
in day out are part of Real Madrid and always helped me solve whatever
problem I was having. They may not be seen but they're always there.
All my love goes to my parents and my whole family, who through their
great efforts and concern for me have helped me along this road, which
has been a difficult but incredible experience.
And above all else, thanks to my wife and son, because they will be by
my side sharing each moment of this exciting new phase of my life with
me.
And these last few lines are dedicated especially for all of you, the
Real Madrid supporters, who know no boundaries. Thank you for the
unconditional support you have given me since I joined the team at 18
years of age, for allowing me to lift each cup, celebrate each triumph,
be your captain for the last five years. For being with me during the
good times and the bad. For holding out your hand so I could lift myself
up.
There's a phrase I've often used in interviews and I'm going to use
again: above being remembered for being a good or a bad goalkeeper, all I
would like is for people to remember me as a good person. Thank you,
thank you, thank you so much. I'll never be able to forget you and you
can be sure that wherever I end up I'll continue to shout: Hala
Madrid!".
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