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Video: Try not to cry at Iker Casillas crying as he bids farewell to Real Madrid

Published 15:22 12 Jul 2015 BST

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We're welling up here...

Professional footballers these days are often accused of a lack of loyalty and of putting money above all else, but it is not an accusation that could be levelled at Iker Casillas. With David de Gea looking likely to join Real Madrid, Casillas has decided to step aside and move to FC Porto, but leaving a club he has represented for years was obviously not an easy decision to make.

After 25 years of defending the crest of the greatest team in the world, the most difficult day in my sports career has arrived: I have to say goodbye to an institution that's given me everything. During all this time, we've suffered, laughed, cried and had a good time together. I’ve always felt loved and the club has been unfailingly there for me, in both the good times and the bad times. This club has not only taught me to be an athlete, it has pushed me to develop as a person. It has helped me to grow, instilling in me the values that its crest defends: respect, team spirit, commitment, humility... and I've tried to reflect those values wherever I've represented Real Madrid. Today I'd like to make a special mention to all my team-mates. Throughout all these years, we've experienced unique and unrepeatable times together, team-mates with whom I've formed a family and shared tears of both joy and sadness. I'm leaving some great friends, but I know that wherever I may be, I can always count on them, just like they can count on me. My coaches and their staff have been my teachers, the best in the world: I'd like to thank them all, for their advice, their understanding, their experience and their professionalism. I’ve learned so much from all of them. I'd also like to thank all the staff: They've always been ready to support me and solve any problem. And all my affection for my parents and all my family, who through their efforts and devotion helped me to embark on this journey. And above all, my wife and my son, because they will be by my side every day, sharing every second of this exciting period in my life. And these final words, I dedicate them especially to all of you, Real Madrid fans, who know no bounds. Thank you for your unconditional support, for allowing me to raise each cup, for each victory, for being your captain, for being there in the good times and the bad, for extending your hand to me and for lifting me up. Don’t remember me for being a good or bad goalkeeper... Remember me as a good person, with its defects. Thank you to so many for so much. I'll never forget you, and wherever I go, I'll continue to shout: Hala Madrid!!!!!

A photo posted by Iker Casillas (@ikercasillasoficial) on Jul 12, 2015 at 4:32am PDT

#UnaVida - Video completo: bit.ly/1UQEBpm A video posted by Iker Casillas (@ikercasillasoficial) on Jul 12, 2015 at 5:08am PDT

Casillas has been involved with Real for the last quarter of a century and during his time with the senior side, he accumulated a ridiculous number of trophies and earned a status as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the world. It was understandable then, that when he did have to announce his departure, it wasn't going to be easy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekzoey2Dqa8 Clip via YouTube/Football TV Jeez Iker, you're killing us here... those damn onions!

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