Iker Casillas did not want to create a huge show when he decided to finally leave Real Madrid, a club that he has been with since he was nine-years-old. While that was alright with Florentino Perez, that was not what many fans wanted and they even forced their way into the Santiago Bernabeu to bid farewell.
In July 1999, Casillas finally got the chance to appear as a part of Madrid's premium roster. The Spanish goalkeeper will leave the place he has called home for 25 years and move to most likely finish his career in Portugal with Porto.
His teammates used Twitter to express their gratitude
"Iker, I'm proud to have worked with you so many years. Best of luck in your new team"
Iker, un orgullo haber trabajado contigo tantos años. Mucha suerte en tu nuevo equipo! pic.twitter.com/Y2beNYQzjK
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) July 13, 2015
10 years together and many, many shared moments. A great Captain, thank you, @CasillasWorld #GraciasIker https://t.co/5xRIlOaS8J
— Sergio Ramos (@SergioRamos) July 12, 2015
"It's a privilege to say I was a partner of the best goalkeeper in the history of Real Madrid!! Good luck and best wishes"
Un privilegio poder decir que fui compañero del mejor portero en la historia del Real Madrid @CasillasWorld !! Suerte y mucho éxito!!
— Chicharito Hernandez (@CH14_) July 12, 2015
Been an absolute honour playing alongside @CasillasWorld the past 2 years. A true legend of the game and I wish you all the luck my friend!
— Gareth Bale (@GarethBale11) July 12, 2015
The 34-year-old player received several options on how to say goodbye, but a complication with the negotiations between his former club and his new team, made everything more complicated and he decided he would only address media in a very small room by himself.
There was supposed to be a massive goodbye ceremony at the Bernabeu last Friday, and now, fans insisted they wanted to be a part of a special moment in the history of the club. They wanted to be there for someone that had won 19 titles with Los Merengues, and that seemed to be walking out the back door.
Iker showcases all he has won with the Merengues
Iker Casillas with the trophies he's won as a Real Madrid player. pic.twitter.com/2Bg2qNWkc7
— Uber Football Facts (@UberFootbalI) July 13, 2015
His fans forced the club to open its doors
Pic: The doors of the Bernabeu have been opened for the fans. [@EJCASTELAO] pic.twitter.com/b9taHCliDd
— Real Madrid Info (@RMadridInfo) July 13, 2015
Casillas, who just signed a two-year contract, waved to his fans who just an hour earlier wanted the club's president, Florentino Pérez, to leave.His teammates were not in attendance as they are now in Melbourne to play in the International Champions Cup.
"I'm just another Real fan and I'll come and cheer on Real Madrid whenever I can. I'll try and take Real Madrid's name with me wherever I go", Casillas said to those that took some time to visit him.
In the last two seasons, Casillas was booed more times than in previous years. He obviously did not like it one bit but was quick to react to criticism whenever it was needed. Now that he leaves Madrid behind, he claimed that he would only remember the happy moments with the club and any bad feelings would be left behind.
WATCH: Casillas and Florentino's final farewell words
Casillas leaves after having played 725 games with
Llegó a los 9 años y se fue hoy, a los 34. Con 725 partidos y 19 títulos, Iker Casilla dijo adiós al #RealMadrid. pic.twitter.com/inVp1cId9i
— VarskySports (@VarskySports) July 13, 2015
Buffon, more than a rival, considers Casillas as a friend
Good Luck @CasillasWorld! pic.twitter.com/pB7q7lAXKk
— Gianluigi Buffon (@gianluigibuffon) July 13, 2015
Mucha suerte en tu nueva aventura amigo! Te mereces todo lo mejor! Best of luck my friend! You deserve all the best! pic.twitter.com/LBQYUFMpGQ
— David Villa (@Guaje7Villa) July 13, 2015