REAL MADRID legend Iker Casillas has confirmed that he is standing to become president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
The 38-year-old – who hasn’t played football since suffering a heart attack during training last May – will, therefore, hang up his gloves in the summer if he is elected ahead of current head, Luis Rubiales.
Iker Casillas has announced that he will run to become the next president of the Spanish FACredit: Instagram
The legendary goalkeeper has completed an amazing recovery from his heart attack last yearCredit: EPA
During his recovery, Spain’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper had been the liaison between Porto’s first-team squad and the board of directors.
Casillas had been given a March deadline by doctors to establish whether he should continue playing, but his bid to rival Rubiales for presidency signals that he is set to retire.
In an announcement on Twitter, he said: “Yes, I will stand for presidency of the Spanish FA when elections are called.
“Together we will put our federation at the level of the best football in the world.
“I have informed the president of my club, FC Porto, of this decision, to whom I can only express my deepest gratitude.
“We are working with the utmost respect and determination in our candidacy. More than 23,000 voters are waiting for us in a fair and transparent election. 139 assembly members will decide.
“Thank you all for the love I have received. Your support and your strength encourage me. Go for it!”
Should Casillas be elected for the four-year term through to 2024, it would bring the curtain down on the legendary goalkeeper’s illustrious 20-year career.
He joined Porto in 2015 from Real Madrid, where he made 725 appearances and helped them win three Champions Leagues and five La Liga titles.
Casillas is also second on the all-time list of Los Blancos’ appearance makers, with his tally only bettered by compatriot Raul, on 741.
He also led Spain to their first-ever World Cup win in 2010, as well as being between the sticks for the two successive European Championships, in 2008 and 2012.
Casillas was part of the Spain side that won three international tournaments in a rowCredit: AFP – Getty
Emotional moment Casillas breaks down in tears as Porto team-mate holds up heart attack keeper’s shirt after Cup final goal
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
