Casillas signs new Madrid deal
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Article summary
Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas is having "a great day" after extending his contract with Real Madrid CF for another five seasons until 2011.
Article body
Move away
Casillas, whose original deal was due to end in June 2006, had been linked with a move away from the Santiago Bernabéu after months of negotiations between chairman Florentino Pérez and the player's agent. But the 24-year-old, who had always said he would remain at Madrid, finally signed new terms with the club he joined as an eight-year-old.
Transfer saga
"It's a great day for me and my family," said Casillas. "I am happy and that is all that matters but I hope we meet again in 2010 to extend the contract until 2016. I always said I wanted to stay at the club."
Helguera promise
Born in Madrid in 1981, Casillas made his breakthrough in 1999/00, starring in Madrid's UEFA Champions League triumph in an all-Spanish final against Valencia CF. After securing Casillas's services, Pérez confirmed he would do his best to resolve the future of Iván Helguera as soon as possible.
