Iker Casillas will stay at Real Madrid even if David de Gea joins from Manchester United

By Richard Arrowsmith for MailOnline

Published: 10:54 EST, 23 April 2015 | Updated: 11:40 EST, 23 April 2015

Iker Casillas insists he will stay at Real Madrid even if David de Gea arrives to displace him as first choice keeper at the Bernabeu.

The Spain international has spent his entire career at the Bernabeu but has come under increasing criticism in recent seasons, while Manchester United No 1 De Gea has been linked with a summer return to his homeland.

However, the 33-year-old claims he is willing to fight for the jersey he went on to make his own after breaking in to the side as a 16-year-old in 1996 - before becoming the youngest Champions League keeper in 2000. 

Iker Casillas claims he will stay and fight for the No 1 jersey rather than leave Real Madrid in the summer

Iker Casillas claims he will stay and fight for the No 1 jersey rather than leave Real Madrid in the summer

The Spanish keeper (left) has been at the Bernabeu since breaking into the team as a 16-year-old

The Spanish keeper (left) has been at the Bernabeu since breaking into the team as a 16-year-old

The Spanish giants have repeatedly linked to a move for Manchester United's David de Gea

The Spanish giants have repeatedly linked to a move for Manchester United's David de Gea

'I hope to fulfil my contract and a commitment that is signed has to be signed until the end,' he told AS.

'But I have to earn it and train myself for it. I will strive and I will fight for the position.

'Now I am at an age at which things are seen in a different way, so if I am not the starter, I will have a commitment with the younger ones.

'Why wouldn't I continue at Madrid if I am not the starting goalkeeper?'

Before the end of the season Casillas is determined concentrate on helping Real Madrid defend their Champions League title, having reached the semi-finals with a 1-0 aggregate victory over local rivals Atletico Madrid on Wednesday. 

'Atletico always make it difficult, but we deserved to pass through to the next round,' the shot-stopper stated.

Manchester United loanee Javier Hernandez celebrates scoring a late winner against Atletico Madrid

Manchester United loanee Javier Hernandez celebrates scoring a late winner against Atletico Madrid

Los Blancos are hoping to become the first team to retain the Champions League title

Los Blancos are hoping to become the first team to retain the Champions League title

'Things are decided by details and you have to fight and struggle. Aside from having great players, they are a team of fight, struggle and effort.'

The glamour last four also comprises arch rivals Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Juventus, although the Spaniard insists there is little to choose between  the sides. 

'We are talking about four great teams, four champions of Europe,' he added. 'There are very nice and exciting semi-finals that lie ahead.'

 

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