Iker Casillas is extremely happy with the renewal of the contract with FC Porto. During the press conference held on the pitch at Estádio do Dragão, next to the goal he usually defends, the Spanish goalkeeper talked of the warmth he has been given since arriving at the club, in the summer of 2015.

A special day for the goalkeeper
“Today is a special day, an important day for me, as it means I will continue to be linked to a club, a city and a country that always received me well. I feel this club is my home. From the moment this was on the table, I had no doubts, as this is where I want to end my footballer career.”

Commitment to the club and thankful for the confidence
“Usually, goalkeepers play longer, if they stay fit, but my commitment is to the club, to the chairman and to my teammates, and I want to be at full capacity to help the club achieve great things. I have to thank for the confidence, as it’s not easy to bet on someone that is 38 years old. This is where I want to end my career as a footballer.”

The most emblematic moment was at Estádio da Luz
“Last year, for example, winning on minute 90 in Lisbon, leaving us close to the title, was very emotional. I think that was my favourite match, for the way it ended.”

The difficulty of the first year
“I came here at 34 and everyone thought I’d be here for a year or two. The first year was hard, as you need to adjust to a different country and a different football, but, after that was done, I have to mention the tranquillity and the warmth. My family and I have been received with open arms since the first day.”

Fighting for three titles until the end of the season
“Our intention is to fight for the three remaining titles. Unfortunately we failed to win the League Cup, but now we are fully focused on the championship and we aim at the final of the Portuguese Cup. We have our expectations for the Champions League. Anything can happen.”

Staying connected to football
“With this renewal, I will end my career here, representing the club and the blue and white fans. Two years ago, I thought 38 would be it, but now we’re talking of me staying linked to the club until I’m 40 years old. In the future, I hope to stay connected to football.”

The round against Liverpool in the Champions League
“There is still some time for Liverpool, but we are facing them with the determination to win the round. That has to be the spirit. There are no small or big teams, we don’t even look at what happened last season. We respect Liverpool and the other clubs also respect FC Porto. What matters to us the most is the championship, which we want to win again, it’s our number one goal. When the Champions League comes, I am sure that we will do all we can to move on in the round.”