Beiruting News

ker Casillas struggled to hold back the tears on Sunday as the Spanish goalkeeper said his goodbyes to Real Madrid fans before completing his move to Porto.

Casillas joined Real's youth academy in 1990 and has been with the club ever since, winning 18 major honours along the way.

The 34-year-old stopper was clearly emotional during his farewell press conference as he asked the Madrid fans to remember him as a 'good person' rather than a goalkeeper.

A tearful Casillas struggled to read a statement during the press conference a day after Madrid announced he was moving to the northern Portuguese club.

He said: 'I have come to this great stadium today to say goodbye to all of you,' he said. 'Especially to the Madrid fans. As of Saturday I'm no longer a Real Madrid player, now I'll be a Porto player. I am moving to Porto for many reasons.

'Firstly I am joining Porto because of the excitement that the coach has transmitted to me. Secondly, because of their affection, they have won me over. I'll do everything I can to not disappoint them and fight as hard as possible to win as many titles as I possibly can there.'

'This club didn't just teach me how to be a sportsman, it taught me how to be a person. I've learned a lot form all of my coaches. They have been a fundamental part of my development and my career. Every day we've been forming a part of Real Madrid and they've always supported me. I want to say thank you to my parents and all my family.