This genuine moment came when Lazio got a penalty against Real Madrid in the final minutes of a Uefa Champions League match and Rocchi stepped up to take it. All you could hear is the chants of “Iker! Iker!” rousing around the stadium.
Rocchi placed it perfectly in the bottom right corner but Casillas thrusted like a Boeing 747, a classy flying machine. The legendary goalkeeper saved it and a subsequent rebound by another player was again saved by Casillas to ascertain a moment of sheer genius.
Born on 20 May 1981 in Móstoles, province of Madrid. In his prime, he donned the colours of Spanish national team and Real Madrid. Iker Casillas Fernández considered one of the world class goalkeepers in the game has announced his retirement from football.
The pillar between the post spent eight years at Real Madrid youth academy before breaking into first team eight years later to man Los Blancos goal for another 17 years. He left his boyhood club for Porto in 2015 and has now put a halt to his illustrious career.
Casillas who has not played any competitive football since April, 2019 due to an heart attack during in training session called time on his five-year spell with Porto in June when he posted a picture on his official Twitter account after a 1-0 win at Pacos Ferreira with the caption “the last trip” .
Such ill health alongside its factors have prompted the 39-year old to finally retire his gloves. Casillas on Tuesday announced on Social media that: “The most important thing is the path you travel and the people who accompany you, not the destination that it takes you.
“I think I can say, without hesitation, that this has been the right path and the dream destination. Thanks.”
Here, a glittering career of 1067 appearance: 725 for Real Madrid, 156 for Porto, 167 for Spain national team and 19 for Spain youth team, reached a stop.
Speaking on such worthy stewardship matter, Real Madrid adorn the World Cup winning captain with praises. A statement released on the club official website read: “Real Madrid CF wants to show its appreciation, admiration and love for one of the greatest legends of our club and world football.
“The best goalkeeper in the history of Real Madrid and Spanish football came to our house when he was nine years old. Here our bond was formed and defended for 25 years, being forever one of our most iconic captains. Iker Casillas has earned the love of Real Madrid and is a benchmark of the values that represent Real Madrid.
“Today, one of the most important footballers in our 118-year history, a player whom we love and admire, a goalkeeper who has enlarged the legend of Real Madrid with his work and exemplary behaviour both on and off the field, says goodbye as a professional player.
“With the first team he played 725 games during 16 seasons in which he won 19 titles: three European Cups, three Club World Cups, two European Super Cups, five Leagues, two King’s Cups and four Spanish Super Cups.
“In Portugal, with Porto, he has achieved two Leagues, one Cup and one Super Cup. He has been an international with Spain on 167 occasions and has won one World Cup, two Euro Cups and one U-20 World Cup.
“Casillas was included in the FIFA FIFPro World XI five times and chosen as the best goalkeeper in the world by the IFFHS five times.
“His impressive sports career has been recognised with the Prince of Asturias Award for Sports, the Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Sports Merit, the Gold Medal of the Royal Order of Sports Merit and the Gold Medal of the Community of Madrid.
“Casillas belongs to the heart of Real Madrid and will do so forever. Real Madrid wants to convey to him and his family the affection of our club, which is the club of his life.”
The former Real Madrid goalkeeper will now focus on football administration following his attempt to land a major role few months ago when he stood as a candidate in the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) presidential elections against incumbent president, Luis Rubiales.
