Casillas: Real Madrid, Spain great leaves hospital after heart attack
Goalkeeper Iker Casillas has been discharged from hospital in Portugal, five days after suffering a heart attack in FC Porto training.
An emotional Iker Casillas left hospital on Monday, five days after the former Spain captain suffered a mild heart attack in training with club side FC Porto.
Casillas, 37, was rushed to the CUF Hospital in Porto on Wednesday after complaining of chest pains, and subsequently underwent heart surgery.
"I've been very lucky; I've been made to feel really loved"
"I'm really grateful, I've been very lucky," Casillas told reporters. "I've been made to feel really loved by everyone who has shown their concern.
"I feel quite moved. I must thank the hospital, [Porto] doctor Nelson [Puga], all the medical staff who've looked after me, the people of Porto... everyone.
"I'd like to say thank you for all the support I've received on social media. I feel a lot better [...]. Thousands and thousands of people have sent me messages."
Casillas unsure over future as he prepares for recovery
Casillas now faces a recovery that could last as long 10 months, with experts suggesting the ex-Real Madrid star may be forced to retire.
"I don't know what the future holds," the 2010 World Cup winner admitted. "What's most important is that I'm here."
Casillas, who cannot engage in any sporting activity for three months, is to spend the next few weeks resting in Porto, with doctors closely monitoring his progress before making a decision on when he'll begin a programme of cardiac rehabilitation.
He is expected to continue his recovery in Spain from late May or early June.