Xavi Lashed Out Says, "It Leaves A Bad Taste In Mouth" Over Iker Casillas Exit

 Former Spain teammate Xavi Hernandez has condemned Real Madrid for failing to give the Captain and Goalkeeper Iker Casillas a deserved farewell.

Iker Casillas breaks down at the press conference in Bernabeu

Casillas who has been a part of Real Madrid team for 15 years, since his joining in 1990, was left to sit alone in the press conference held to announce his exit to join Porto.

The 34 year old was tearful and choked up several times as he read the farewell note after 16 glorious seasons at Bernabeu.

The club saw criticism from both fans and other players, fans gathered outside the club stadium in Madrid and chanted for president Florentino Perez to quit.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez

In response Real Madrid gave a official farewell to Casillas the next day on Monday. Fans gathered in huge number and bid goodbye to the now Porto goalkeeper with chants and ovations.

The treatment of Spain goalkeeper was exactly opposite to the farewell that his Spanish teammate Xavi, who joined Qatar club Al-Sadd, received from his former club FC Barcelona after playing 17 seasons.

Thus, Xavi expressed his discontent and spoke to Spanish daily La Vanguardia on Tuesday that Casillas is a "good person" and deserves to be treated better.


Iker Casillas and his Spain teammate Xavi Hernandez

Xavi said, "I look at Iker and I have the feeling that lately he is playing under pressure, as if he has to prove what a great keeper he is in every match, without the joy he always had.

"In recent years I have seen that he is not enjoying himself like before. He even seems bitter and I think everyone in this country should think about this.

"It cannot be that people neglect to value everything they have done for their sport and instead focus on their defects, sometimes with malicious intent."   

Casillas, who had one year left on his contract, won three Champions Leagues and five La Liga titles with Real and holds the record for Spanish caps (162), winning two European Championships and the World Cup.

An Emotional farewell for both Iker Casillas and fans

 Xavi drew a comparison with Gianluigi Buffon, the Italy and Juvetus goalkeeper, stating that at 37 he still enjoys every match he plays.

The Al-Sadd player further added, "That's why it leaves a bad taste what is happening with him now".

The former Barcelona player mentioned his best wishes to Casillas, "He is going to Porto and I am sure he will be welcomed as a hero. Away from here they will appreciate him more."

Iker Casillas posed with the trophies he had haul during his time at Real Madrid

Iker Casillas Trophies:
5 La Liga (2001, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2012)
3 Champions League (2000, 2002, 2014)
2 European Championship (2008, 2012)
2 Copa del Rey (2011, 2014)
1 World Cup (2010)
1 Club World Cup (2014)

"Above all, more so than being remembered as a good or bad goalkeeper, I hope that I’m remembered for being a good person."

-Iker Casillas, Former Real Madrid Goalkeeper



Former Real Madrid player Mesut Ozil sends his best wishes

Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo sends his wished via Twitter 



David Beckham took on Instagram to wish his former Real teammate