Sergio: Casillas remains a Spanish icon

Sergio: Casillas remains a Spanish icon
The Espanyol coach says the Real Madrid captain's critics have "very short memories" and claims that the 33-year-old has been made a scapegoat
May 17, 2015 14:41:06

Espanyol coach Sergio Gonzalez has jumped to the defence of Iker Casillas, insisting that the under-fire Real Madrid goalkeeper remains an icon of the Spanish game.
Casillas has been heavily criticised in recent seasons for a number of high-profile mistakes for club and country, notably at last year’s World Cup, where La Roja's title defence was ended after humiliating losses to Netherlands and Chile.
The 33-year-old has continued the cop plenty of flak this term and he was once again booed and whistled after last weekend's Liga draw at home to Valencia.
Speaking ahead of Espanyol's meeting with Madrid in Catalunya, Sergio claimed that Casillas has been made the scapegoat for Madrid falling behind Barcelona in the race for the Liga title and being eliminated from the Champions League by Juventus in midweek.
“I’ve been through some great times with Iker,” Sergio, who earned 11 caps for Spain, told a press conference.
“He’s an icon, a one-off, a reference figure but some people in football have very short memories. Sometimes others look for someone to blame and that’s what seems to have happened with him.
“Iker is a reference in Spanish football who has brought great value to our game.”
Casillas was infamously dropped by Jose Mourinho during the Portuguese coach's time in Madrid between 2010 and 2013 and has struggled for form ever since.
Madrid’s Champions League semi-final exit has sparked rumours of a huge shake-up at the club, with coach Carlo Ancelotti said to be facing the sack this summer.
And Casillas, who has won five Liga titles and three Champions League crowns during a 16-year stint at the Santiago Bernabeu, has also been linked with a move away from the Spanish captial.
Second-placed Madrid face Espanyol on Sunday knowing anything even victory may not be enough to see Barcelona claim the league title, as the Catalans will be crowned champions if they defeat Atletico at the Vicente Calderon.