Iker Casillas leaving Real Madrid is a shame: Francesco Totti

Melbourne: Italy and AS Roma great Francesco Totti has said that it is “a shame” to see a football “icon” like Iker Casillas leave Real Madrid. The 34-year-old goalkeeper brought to an end a 25-year period at Real last week when he departed to join Porto. Casillas announced his departure at an emotional press conference, sitting alone as he delivered a statement to the press — a move that has seen Real heavily criticised by fans and pundits. Totti, who has spent his entire career with the Italian side, hailed Casillas as a “great man” as he mourned the 2010 FIFA World Cup winner’s departure. “It’s a shame that Casillas is gone,” the 38-year-old, who won the 2006 FIFA World Cup with Italy, told reporters here ahead of his side’s clash against Real. “We know each other well. He is a great man and a great person. Iker is an icon and a monument of the club,” the veteran midfielder added.