The shot-stopper has explained why he chose to join the Portuguese side over a wealth of other potential clubs this summer
Iker Casillas has revealed how joining Porto on a free transfer is helping him get over his messy break-up with Real Madrid.The veteran goalkeeper is second in the all-time appearance holder record list for the Blancos, but he left the Santiago Bernabeu this summer on bad terms having been considered expendable by new coach Rafa Benitez.
Casillas, 34, explained that the presence of Julen Lopetegui as Porto head coach played a huge role in his decision to join the Portuguese side, ending his 25-year stay at Real Madrid.
"I felt a lot of trust and fondness towards Julen Lopetegui," he told Dragoes, Porto's official club magazine. "I had several offers but none were as attractive as Porto.
"In addition, I wanted to leave Spain. Signing for Porto was a way for me to let go of Real Madrid, put them in the past, and play for an overseas club that I felt a connection with.
"Here I can continue to develop whilst playing for a very big club. A team like Porto deserve to be winning titles every season. Winning domestic silverware is the priority."
Porto finished second last season under Lopetegui, behind Benfica, having reached the last eight of the Champions League where they were defeated by Bayern Munich.
Casillas is expected to be the undisputed No.1 in the coming campaign for Porto, whose president has had to fend off criticism from Jose Mourinho regarding who is paying the Spain international's large salary.
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