Iker Casillas Returns to Real Madrid in Executive Role
By Tom Gott
Real Madrid have confirmed the appointment of legendary former goalkeeper Iker Casillas as the new deputy to the chief executive of the Real Madrid Foundation.
Casillas made no less than 725 appearances for Real during his 16-year spell at the Santiago Bernabeu between 1999 and 2015, winning five La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues, before leaving to join Porto.
Official Announcement: Iker Casillas#RealMadrid
— Real Madrid C.F. ???? (@realmadriden) December 22, 2020
A heart attack in early 2019 led to Casillas' eventual retirement in the summer of 2020, and he soon entered talks with the Real hierarchy about an emotional return to his boyhood club.
After months of speculation, Real took to their official website to confirm that Casillas has now officially taken up a spot in the boardroom at the Santiago Bernabeu.
"Real Madrid C. F. have announced that Iker Casillas has joined the Real Madrid Foundation as assistant to the general director," a statement read.
"Real Madrid are proud to welcome one of their great captains back home."
Casillas took to Twitter after the announcement to say: "Proud to return home. I face this new challenge with all the enthusiasm and desire in the world, thanks for the welcome."
As part of his role within the Foundation, Casillas will help Real's quest to use football as a method of teaching important life skills and to help those suffering from any form of marginalisation or discrimination in the wider world.
Real fans will be delighted to see one of their club's most famous players finally return to the club in some capacity, particularly after his less-than-ideal departure from the Bernabeu five years ago could have damaged the relationship between player and club.
He returns at a time in which spirits are high at Real. After a tricky start to the season, Zinedine Zidane's men have now won five games in a row, which has helped them up to second in the La Liga standings.