Story By: Juan Mayes, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Golder’s News And Sport
Former Real Madrid superstar Iker Casillas – who has not played since suffering a heart attack last year – has confirmed his candidacy for the president of the Spanish football federation, marking the end of his professional playing career.
The confirmation comes from Casillas, 38, after he made a post showing a picture of himself with the words “Iker Casillas 2020” next to him referring to the upcoming Royal Federation of Spanish Football (RFEF) presidential elections.
The current Porto goalkeeper captioned the post: “I will run for the presidency of the @somosrfef (RFEF) when the elections are called.
“Together we are going to put our Federation at the level of the best football in the world: the one from Spain.”
Casillas went on to say he “informed the decision to the president of my club, FC Porto, to whom I can only express my deepest gratitude” as the decision reportedly marks the end of his career as a professional footballer.
The former Spain international ended the post by saying: “We are working with the highest respect and decisiveness for my candidacy.
“Thanks to everyone for the love I have received and continue to receive. Your support and strength motivate me. Let’s go after it!”
Current RFEF President Luis Rubiales has been in the top-position since 2018 after the federation’s former president Angel Maria Villar was arrested on corruption charges which prompted extraordinary elections.
Local media said Rubiales also intends to run in the elections, however no date has been set for them.
Casillas has not played an official match since suffering a heart attack during a training session in early May 2019, however, he continues to contribute to Porto by acting as a player liaison officer with the backroom staff.
He was reportedly fitted with a coronary stent, a tube-shaped device placed in the coronary arteries to supply blood to the heart and keep the arteries open during the treatment of heart disease.
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