Real Madrid stars past and present pay tribute to club legend Iker Casillas after goalkeeper waves farewell to La Liga giants

  • Iker Casillas will join Porto after 16 successful seasons with Real Madrid
  • The 34-year-old broke down in tears during his farewell press conference
  • Madrid stars past and present took to social media to pay tribute to keeper
  • David Beckham, Gareth Bale and Sergio Ramos hailed Spain international
  • Barcelona star Andres Iniesta paid tribute to his international team-mate

Real Madrid stars past and present have joined in force to pay tribute to club legend Iker Casillas as the goalkeeper prepares to leave the La Liga giants.

The 34-year-old spent 16 seasons with Madrid, winning 18 domestic trophies and playing 725 games for the club.

However, the Spain international has decided to move on to pastures new and will play for Portuguese side Porto next season. 

Iker Casillas struggled to fight back the tears as he said goodbye to Real Madrid ahead of his move to Porto

Iker Casillas struggled to fight back the tears as he said goodbye to Real Madrid ahead of his move to Porto

Madrid's record signing Gareth Bale took to his Twitter account to thank the goalkeeper for his service

Madrid's record signing Gareth Bale took to his Twitter account to thank the goalkeeper for his service

Ramos, who could join Casillas in leaving the club this summer, posted a YouTube video of the duo on Twitter

Ramos, who could join Casillas in leaving the club this summer, posted a YouTube video of the duo on Twitter

Barcelona and Spain star Andres Iniesta posted a picture of the duo as he paid tribute to his team-mate

Barcelona and Spain star Andres Iniesta posted a picture of the duo as he paid tribute to his team-mate

After 25 years of defending the crest of the greatest team in the world, the most difficult day in my sports career has arrived: I have to say goodbye to an institution that's given me everything. During all this time, we've suffered, laughed, cried and had a good time together. I’ve always felt loved and the club has been unfailingly there for me, in both the good times and the bad times. This club has not only taught me to be an athlete, it has pushed me to develop as a person. It has helped me to grow, instilling in me the values that its crest defends: respect, team spirit, commitment, humility... and I've tried to reflect those values wherever I've represented Real Madrid. Today I'd like to make a special mention to all my team-mates. Throughout all these years, we've experienced unique and unrepeatable times together, team-mates with whom I've formed a family and shared tears of both joy and sadness. I'm leaving some great friends, but I know that wherever I may be, I can always count on them, just like they can count on me. My coaches and their staff have been my teachers, the best in the world: I'd like to thank them all, for their advice, their understanding, their experience and their professionalism. I’ve learned so much from all of them. I'd also like to thank all the staff: They've always been ready to support me and solve any problem. And all my affection for my parents and all my family, who through their efforts and devotion helped me to embark on this journey. And above all, my wife and my son, because they will be by my side every day, sharing every second of this exciting period in my life. And these final words, I dedicate them especially to all of you, Real Madrid fans, who know no bounds. Thank you for your unconditional support, for allowing me to raise each cup, for each victory, for being your captain, for being there in the good times and the bad, for extending your hand to me and for lifting me up. Don’t remember me for being a good or bad goalkeeper... Remember me as a good person, with its defects. Thank you to so many for so much. I'll never forget you, and wherever I go, I'll continue to shout: Hala Madrid!!!!!

A photo posted by Iker Casillas (@ikercasillasoficial) on

As Casillas brings an end to his 25-year association with the club, tributes flooded in on social media from current and ex-Madrid stars.

David Beckham, who played with the shot-stopper for four years at Madrid, posted an Instagram snap as he heaped praise on his former team-mate.

Alongside the picture, Beckham wrote: 'What more can be said about this man.... I'm sad to see Iker leave a club that he adored and gave everything too for so many years.'

'He is a friend an amazing person and one of the best goalkeepers in the history of the game .. A true @realmadrid legend... Gracias Amigo @ikercasillasoficial,' he added.

He wasn't alone either, with a host of current Madrid players including Gareth Bale taking to their social media accounts to thank the keeper for his service.

'Been an absolute honour playing alongside @CasillasWorld the past 2 years,' he wrote on Twitter. 'A true legend of the game and I wish you all the luck my friend!'

Madrid took to Twitter to post this graphic to thank legendary goalkeeper Casillas for his service to the club

Madrid took to Twitter to post this graphic to thank legendary goalkeeper Casillas for his service to the club

James Rodriguez wrote on social media: 'Honoured to have shared the dressing room with a football legend'

James Rodriguez wrote on social media: 'Honoured to have shared the dressing room with a football legend'

Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi was another member of the current team to pay tribute to Casillas

Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi was another member of the current team to pay tribute to Casillas

Casillas won three Champions League winner's medals and five La Liga titles during his time at Real Madrid

Casillas won three Champions League winner's medals and five La Liga titles during his time at Real Madrid

Un orgullo compartir vestuario durante estos dos años capitán!! Gracias por todo lo que has enseñado al madridismo

A photo posted by DaniCarvajal92 (@danicarvajal92) on

Sergio Ramos, Asier Illarramendi, James Rodriguez, Jese Rodriguez and Dani Carvajal also wished Casillas good luck. 

Ramos, who could join Casillas in leaving the club this summer, posted a YouTube video of the duo on Twitter.

He captioned the post: '10 years together and many, many shared moments. A great Captain, thank you, @CasillasWorld #GraciasIker.' 

IKER CASILLAS' TRIBUTE TO REAL MADRID AHEAD OF MOVE TO PORTO

After 25 years of defending the crest of the greatest team in the world, the most difficult day in my sports career has arrived: I have to say goodbye to an institution that's given me everything.

During all this time, we've suffered, laughed, cried and had a good time together. I’ve always felt loved and the club has been unfailingly there for me, in both the good times and the bad times. This club has not only taught me to be an athlete, it has pushed me to develop as a person. It has helped me to grow, instilling in me the values that its crest defends: respect, team spirit, commitment, humility... and I've tried to reflect those values wherever I've represented Real Madrid.

Today I'd like to make a special mention to all my team-mates. Throughout all these years, we've experienced unique and unrepeatable times together, team-mates with whom I've formed a family and shared tears of both joy and sadness. I'm leaving some great friends, but I know that wherever I may be, I can always count on them, just like they can count on me. My coaches and their staff have been my teachers, the best in the world: I'd like to thank them all, for their advice, their understanding, their experience and their professionalism. I’ve learned so much from all of them. I'd also like to thank all the staff: They've always been ready to support me and solve any problem.

And all my affection for my parents and all my family, who through their efforts and devotion helped me to embark on this journey. And above all, my wife and my son, because they will be by my side every day, sharing every second of this exciting period in my life.

And these final words, I dedicate them especially to all of you, Real Madrid fans, who know no bounds. Thank you for your unconditional support, for allowing me to raise each cup, for each victory, for being your captain, for being there in the good times and the bad, for extending your hand to me and for lifting me up. Don’t remember me for being a good or bad goalkeeper... Remember me as a good person, with its defects.

Thank you to so many for so much. I'll never forget you, and wherever I go, I'll continue to shout: Hala Madrid!!!!!

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