Official: Madrid say farewell to Iker Casillas

Real Madrid will bid farewell to club legend Iker Casillas at the Santiago Bernabeu at lunchtime today. The goalkeeper's departure to Porto was confirmed by Madrid on Saturday night and a press conference will be held at 12:00 CET today at the stadium where Casillas will make a statement. The 34-year-old's 25-year stay at his boyhood club is at an end after he penned a two-year deal with the Portuguese club. Madrid released a club statement on Saturday night thanking the goalkeeper for his services. It read: "Real Madrid C. F. and FC Porto have reached a deal on the transfer of Iker Casillas to the Portuguese club. "For Real Madrid today is a day, above all, of thanks and recognition. One of the best goalkeepers in this club is not just leaving, today the greatest goalkeeper in the history of the club and in the history of Spanish football is moving on to a new stage in his footballing career. "This goodbye evokes thousands of sensations and memories charged with hope, anticipation, sacrifice, strength and unique triumph. Iker Casillas has made our coat of arms even greater. He has been our captain and has forged his legend here since he arrived as a child at just nine years of age. "Our club is 113 years old and Casillas has worn our jersey for 25 of those years. During that time he has become one of our finest leaders and has won the respect, affection, admiration and love of the fans beyond colours and affiliations. "3 European Cups, 1 World Club Cup, 2 Intercontinental Cups, 2 European Supercups, 5 Ligas, 2 Copas del Rey and 4 Spanish Supercups with Real Madrid and 1 World Cup and 2 European Championships with the ultimate Spanish national side are an important part of his legacy, but there is much, much more. The Zamora trophy, the Bravo trophy and chosen 5 times as the best goalkeeper in the world. Added to all this is the Premio Príncipe de Asturias de los Deportes (Prince of Asturias Sporting Award). "The complete list is endless and impressive, but above all it is an honour and pride of themadridistas. Iker is leaving, but his legacy is here forever. His attitude and actions in the 725 games he played in our jersey shine a light on the path for those who dream of being part of this team. "Thank you Iker, for everything you have done. Thank you for being a symbol of the best in our history. You are going but we will never forget that you'll always belong to the heart of Real Madrid."