Cristiano Ronaldo Stands By Real Madrid Goalie Iker Casillas
Cristiano Ronaldo has come out in support of Real Madrid veteran goalie — and captain — Iker Casillas. These are uncertain times for the one time World Cup champion. After winning the UEFA Super Cup 2-0 against Sevilla, Los Blancos are trying to get ready for what will probably be a hard fought season and move past all the drama of the off-season.
Following his impressive performance in the 2014 World Cup, Costa Rica’s goalie Keylor Navas was transferred to Real Madrid from Levante for $13.4 million, which put Iker Casillas’ future at Real Madrid in doubt. However, manager Carlo Ancelotti has assured the 33-year-old he is still the man and will be Real’s starting goalkeeper during the regular season and for the Champions League, according to a report in Cadena COPE.
If this is accurate, Navas will not be seeing much action, which doesn’t make a lot of sense, since he was brought in because of his talent and to reinforce Ancelotti’s ranks as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Navas helped Costa Rica reach the World Cup quarter finals for the first time ever.
We will see what actually transpires during the season, but in the meantime — for what it’s worth — one of Real Madrid’s biggest stars, Cristiano Ronaldo is voicing his support for Casillas following Real Madrid’s victory against Sevilla and more importantly, Spain’s disastrous World Cup performance.
“Iker has never stopped being one of the best keepers in the world, he’s always been world-class.”
Cristiano Ronaldo: Iker Casillas still a “world class” goalkeeper. http://t.co/gUdxbzhDyc pic.twitter.com/dkA4cYoww7
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 16, 2014
Training | Iker Casillas. pic.twitter.com/fkDEgys7iN
— SocialRMadrid (@SocialRMadrid) August 14, 2014
Iker Casillas will be Real Madrid’s starting goalkeeper in the La Liga and Champions league pic.twitter.com/WpTBhLASyj
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@RMadridFever) August 16, 2014
Cristiano: “Iker Casillas is a top goalkeeper. He’s never stopped being one of the best goalkeepers in the world.” pic.twitter.com/aHcD0vxzWs
— RMadridAmor (@RMadridAmor) August 13, 2014
In the last weeks, since Navas came on board, reports have been that Casillas has been depressed and concerned about his future with his life-long team. The veteran goalie began his youth career with Los Blancos in 1990, but there have been rumors that he wants out and the atmosphere in the locker room is not good because of the the bad rap Casillas has been getting from the media.
With Ancelotti’s assurances, it seems that Cristiano Ronaldo’s words add some kind of comfort for Iker Casillas. However, Navas is lurking in the background and eager to play for his new team should the veteran not perform to standards.
[Image via Twitter]
