Iker Casillas: Spain & Porto goalkeeper 'stable' after heart attack
- Published
Iker Casillas won five La Liga titles at Real Madrid and three Champions League crowns
Spain's World Cup-winning goalkeeper Iker Casillas says "everything is controlled" after he had a heart attack during training with his club Porto.
The 37-year-old is "stable" in hospital and remains under observation.
Casillas, regarded as one of Real Madrid's greatest keepers, says he had "a big scare" but added that his "strength was intact".
A Porto statement said he "suffered an acute myocardial infarction" on Wednesday morning.
"The work session was promptly interrupted to provide assistance to the Porto goalkeeper, who is currently at the Hospital CUF Porto. Casillas is well, stable and his heart problem [is] solved," it added.
On Wednesday evening, Casillas tweeted "everything has been controlled" and thanked "everyone for the messages and affection", alongside a picture from his hospital bed
Casillas made 725 appearances for Spanish giants Real during a 16-year career at the Bernabeu, helping them win three Champions Leagues and five La Liga titles.
He was also part of the Spain squad as they won two successive European Championships, in 2008 and 2012, and the World Cup in 2010.
Madrid said they were sending their former keeper "all the courage of the world".
"Real Madrid wants to transmit all their support to their beloved captain Casillas," the statement read.
"Casillas has taught us throughout his professional career to overcome the most incredible challenges to enhance the glory of our club.
"It has taught us that giving up does not fit into our philosophy of life and has shown us countless times that being stronger, the harder the challenge, is the way to achieve victory.
"Real Madrid want to see their eternal captain recovered as soon as possible and send him all the courage of the world."
A Spanish footballing icon
Casillas is held in high esteem at the Bernabeu, with the 13-time European champions describing him as "the best goalkeeper in our history" on their official website.
Born a short distance from the stadium, he graduated from the youth ranks, and the 'C' and 'B' teams, to establish himself as a regular first-team player, winning 10 major titles during a 16-year career with Los Blancos.
The former club captain, who moved to Porto on a free transfer in 2015, holds the distinction of having made the most Champions League appearances of any player - 176 - and became the first player to appear in 20 consecutive seasons of the competition.
Casillas is also the most-capped Spain player, having made 167 appearances.
He helped Porto win the Portuguese title last season.
'Stay strong!' - goodwill messages pour in for Casillas
Several current Real Madrid and Barcelona players, as well as Spanish tennis superstar Rafael Nadal, were among the many who posted their best wishes to Casillas on social media.
Current Real keeper Thibaut Courtois was among the well-wishers
His sentiments were echoed by the current club captain, who played in front of Casillas
Wales forward Gareth Bale, who played alongside Casillas for Los Blancos, wished him a speedy recovery
Madrid's rivals Barcelona offered their support
Former Arsenal and current Villarreal player Cazorla urged Casillas to show "strength" and offered his support
Real fan and Spanish multiple Grand Slam winner Nadal echoed similar sentiments