Real Madrid and Spanish international goalkeeper Iker Casillas during a signing ceremony press conference at Aspire Academy in Doha yesterday. Casillas’ honours include five Spanish La Liga titles, two Champions League titles, as well as two European Championship victories and a World Cup.PICTURES BY: SHAIVAL DALAL
By Denzil Pinto
DOHA: Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas said he is thankful to national team coach Vicente Del Bosque for keeping faith in him, after the two-time European Championship winner was named in Spain’s preliminary squad for the Confederations Cup that will take place in Brazil next month
The 32-year-old has not played a competitive match for Real Madrid since returning from a hand injury having lost his place to Diego Lopez.
But the Spanish captain, who was in Doha yesterday as his Foundation joined hands with Aspire Academy to launch a goalkeeper’s training project in Qatar, said he is pleased to be included in the squad for the June 15-30 event.
He said: “I am very happy to be included in the squad for the Confederations Cup. I thank Del Bosque who has given me the much needed confidence in selecting me. I feel I am in great condition like I am a 19-year-old.”
He added: “I’m looking forward to the competition and I will give my best to the national team.”
The Spaniard, who became the first goalkeeper-captain to lift the European Championship title in 2008 has had a glittering career, winning team and individual honours since joining Real Madrid in 1996.
Among the honours are Casillas’ five FIFA/FIFPRO World’s Best Goalkeepers, which he won continously from 2008 to 2012.
The 2010 World Cup winner gave advice to those who want to be successful goalkeepers.
“The ideal age for goalkeepers to learn, and I speak for myself, is eight years old to develop themselves. They should maintain that and by the age of 15, they will be matured. At the age of 30, they can still improve on their weaknesses.” said Casillas.
Casillas, who clinched his fifth Spanish La Liga title in 2012, his first as captain of Real Madrid, added: “A goalkeeper has to have all the skills to succeed. Sixty percent of a goalkeeper’s body is based on the physical condition. Preserving their bodies is needed for success as well as keeping calm through crucial moments.”
He added: “I started at the age of nine and I trained for many hours on my physical and mental strengths. Those strengths are getting better but at 32, I’m still eager to learn more.”
Casillas, who has won every domestic title with Real Madrid, said he is keen to stay in the game when he retires. He said: “After retiring, I want to continue with football. I want to help others on how to become a better goalkeeper because that and football is my life.”
Casillas praised Barcelona, who won their 22nd Spanish La Liga title this season.
He said: “I think every Spanish team is different. We managed to win against them (a 2-1 win in March) but they were the best throughout the season.”
Speaking of Spanish players playing in Qatar, he said: “Qatar is developing their game in football. When Pep (Guardiola) came, many other players came too. Everybody knows about Raul, who has become a footballing symbol for Real Madrid and Spain, and he is here contributing to football and helping players become better.”
With many suggesting Casillas is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, the Spaniard gave his reply of who his favourites are. “(Petr) Cech, (Victor) Valdes, (Manuel) Neuer and (David) De Gea,” replied Casillas.
THE PENINSULA
