Legendary goalkeeper Iker Casillas has announced his retirement from football.
The 39-year-old, who won the World Cup with Spain in 2010 as well as three Champions League titles over a trophy-laden career with Real Madrid, shared the news on Tuesday.
In a post to Instagram he wrote: "The important thing is the path you travel and the people who accompany you, not the destination to which it takes you, because that with work and effort, comes alone and I think I can say, without hesitation, that it has been the path and the dream destination."
Casillas had spent the last five years playing for Porto. During this time the Spanish shot-stopper's side were drawn to face Liverpool in the knockout stages of the Champions League.
The Reds prevailed on both occasions but something stayed with Casillas from those nights at Anfield.
Speaking after the 2018 encounter - which ended in a goalless draw after the Reds had put five past the Spaniard in Portugal - he said: "If this has been my goodbye to the Champions League, it hasn't been a bad night.
"Anfield, a clean sheet. But nobody knows the future.
"I want to thank Liverpool fans for the affection they showed. They respect players a lot.
"I've spent a lot of years in this competition and coming to a stadium like this and being applauded like that is superb."
Casillas was referring to the standing ovation which he received from Liverpool supporters on the night.
He also posted an picture to Instagram of himself embracing Jurgen Klopp, it read: "Respect. Never walk alone."
The iconic keeper won 27 honours throughout a hugely successful 22-year playing career.
Casillas had not played since in April, 2019 after he suffered a heart attack during training.
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