Barcelona legend Xavi thinks Real Madrid did not treat Iker Casillas’ exit exit in the correct manner at all.
The goalkeeper ended his 16 season tenure at the Bernabeu after signing a two-year deal with Porto this week.
Despite winning 19 trophies including five La Liga and three Champions League titles with the club, Casillas was given a low-key farewell. The shot-stopper appeared alone in the Madrid media room to say goodbye through tearful eyes.
This was a stark contrast to how Xavi bowed out of Barcelona, which the Catalans marked with tributes from fans, former teammates and a stadium tribute that could only be truly appreciated with from an aerial view.
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Xavi told Spanish daily La Vanguardia that the way Madrid treated Casillas’ exit did not sit well with him at all.
“It leaves a bad taste what is happening with him now.”
“In recent years, I have seen that he is not enjoying himself like before.”
“He even seems bitter and I think everyone in this country (Spain) should think about this.”
The legendary midfielder added that the lack of respect shown for aging athletes is a problem that may be plaguing Spain, and it is something that fans should really address.
“It cannot be that maturing Spanish athletes are not shown sufficient respect, that people neglect to value everything they have done for their sport and instead focus on their defects, sometimes with malicious intent.”
Hat-tip to Bleacher Report
