Soccer Transfer Rumors: Iker Casillas Prepares To Leave Real Madrid Before David De Gea's Arrival from Manchester United
It seems that goalkeeper Iker Casillas already has one foot out the door of his club, Real Madrid. Reports have come up that the 34-year-old Spanish player is considering an exit before rumored replacement David De Gea arrives from Manchester United.
Spanish TV station RTVE first broke the news that the No. 1 goalkeeper of the Los Blancos is already prepared to leave his team. According to reports, the club's management told Casillas of its intention to sign another goalkeeper, which made him rethink his stay.
The five-time World's Best Goalkeeper Award winner still has two years remaining on his contract with the club at Bernabeu and has recently expressed his desire to end his career in the team he was part of since his younger years.
"I don't see myself anywhere next season. I've already stated that I want to retire here," Casillas told Spanish radio station Cadena Ser in May. "I would like to end my career at Real Madrid."
"They [the club] recently told me they want me to continue," added the goalkeeper. "I am a man of challenges and last year I had a big one and I overcame it."
The most capped player from the Spanish national team has enjoyed No. 1 goalkeeper status for a long time. But in 2012, issues regarding his play and capability to keep up with Madrid's standards were questioned, which led then-manager Jose Mourinho to bench the player for the first time in 10 years.
In 2014, the Los Blancos acquired Keylor Navas, which started for a few games in the season, noted ESPN FC. However, Casillas was determined to make it to the top spot once again and was successful in doing so.
But it seems that Casillas' tune has changed with reports that De Gea is close to moving from Old Trafford.
RTVE added that the player has decided to leave Madrid to avoid causing any problem with the former Atletico Madrid player who was reportedly promised the No.1 jersey upon his arrival.
According to The Mirror, the Los Blancos are preparing a bid of £25 million to secure the Spanish national from Manchester United and the club in Bernabeu might announce his arrival soon.
Meanwhile, should Casillas opt to leave Madrid upon De Gea's confirmation, numerous teams are already waiting in the sidelines to procure him including Turkish club, Fenerbahce.
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