Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas says he plans to fulfill his contract with the club even if he is not a starter in future seasons.

Speaking after his side’s 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid, Casillas was asked about the continuous rumors surrounding his future at Real Madrid.

While professing his desire to remain the club’s number one, the team captain revealed that he has reached an age where he sees things differently than before. Even though he would not be happy having to concede his starting role in the squad, the veteran player said he’d share his knowledge with Real Madrid’s next generation.

“I wish and hope and long to achieve the highest number of titles,” Casillas said. “I hope to fulfill my contract and a commitment that is signed has to be signed until the end.

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

“Now I have reached an age and seen things in a different way. 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?”

Casillas’ statements will once again spark transfer speculation regarding Real Madrid’s reported interest in Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea.

De Gea has been linked with a switch to Madrid for quite some time, and rumors of his departure from England continue to make the rounds in the press and on social media.

The Spanish goalkeeper and United have yet to reach an agreement on an extension, with his contract set to expire next summer.

As it stands now, Real Madrid has two of La Liga’s best goalkeepers in its squad: Casillas and Keylor Navas; with both having contracts binding them to the club for the foreseeable future.

Real Madrid have also been linked with moves for Bayer Leverkusen’s Bernd Leno and River Plate shot stopper Augusto Batalla.