Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas says he will welcome the challenge of competing against David de Gea for the club’s number one spot, should the Manchester United shot stopper decide to join him in the Spanish capital.
The Madrid based media have all but written off Casillas’ chances of returning to the Bernabeu next season. But the team captain has continually stated that he plans to remain at the club – where he has spent the past 25 years – until his contract runs out in June 2016.
It is widely known that Real Madrid have targeted De Gea to be Casillas’ replacement. However, the United goalkeeper has yet to make a decision on his future.
Should he ultimately join Madrid it would create a serious selection problem for the next manager, since Casillas, De Gea and Keylor Navas will all be vying for the starting role in at the club.
During an interview with Cadena SER, Casillas said he invited the challenge of more competition at Real Madrid, since he doesn’t plan on being relieved from his position between the posts.
“Next year, I see myself between these post,” Casillas told Cadena SER. “I have no plans to leave Real Madrid.I’ll confront next season as though it is my first; that’s the challenge I’ve set on myself.
“Contrary to the rumors doing the rounds, the club has told me to stay.
“If De Gea does come here, he’ll be welcomed. Competition is healthy. We’ll have to compete for a place like with do with Spain.”
Casillas was whistled and jeered on numerous occasions by the Bernabeu fans this season. But the goalkeeper defended the supporters’ actions by saying they only wanted the same thing he does…success.
“I’ve had days when I have seriously considered turning it all in,”Casillas admitted. “But the following day, I’ve got up and confronted my situation.
“Sometimes I’ve gone home angry, but never crying. Madrid demands the very best from you and you have to be up to it.
“My dream was always to start and end my career here with Madrid. I hope the whistles stop. I always wish for the best for Madrid.”
