Iker Casillas handed Porto coaching role during heart attack recovery

Published 07/15/2019, 3:21 PM EDT

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Porto goalkeeper Iker Casillas has been added into the club’s coaching staff as he continues his recovery from the heart attack he suffered in May. 

The 38-year old has refused to hang up his boots even after the health scare two months ago. Instead, the former Real Madrid keeper will spend some time off football to help nurture the Porto players as a coaching staff member. 

Iker Casillas joined Porto in 2015 following a glorious 16-year spell in the Spanish capital where he made over 725 appearances for Real Madrid. In that period, he won three Champions League titles, five La Liga titles, two Copa Del Reys and two Club World Cups among many more.

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Casillas was also part of the famous Spain side which dominated world football during 2008 and 2012, lifting two Euros and the FIFA World Cup trophy. 

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The veteran goalkeeper spoke after bagging the new role at the Portuguese club. “I’m going to do something different from what I’ve done before, which was being on the pitch,” he told Porto Canal after reporting to Porto’s preseason training on July 1. 

“I will try to make a connection between the team and the club. The boss [Sergio Conceicao] told me that he wanted me to stay with them, close to the players, close to the youngsters because there would be lots of changes. I will try to do my best to help my team-mates,” he added.

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Iker Casillas also spoke about the club’s ambitions for next season. “We’re preparing to have the best season possible. There are still a few weeks left before the official matches start. Let’s hope we can have a great season together and win the league, the cups and do the best we can in Europe,” he said.

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Casillas will no doubt be a great individual to have among Porto’s coaching staff, but fans will be desperate to see the legendary keeper back in action as soon as possible. 

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Written by:

Mehul Gupta

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