Los 40 USA
Sign in to commentAPP
spainSPAINchileCHILEcolombiaCOLOMBIAusaUSAmexicoMEXICOlatin usaLATIN USAamericaAMERICA

PORTUGAL

Casillas to undergo tests with hopes of Porto return

The ex-Real Madrid keeper is set to undergo tests in December to determine if he can make a return to the Porto goal, according to reports in Portugal.

FILE PHOTO: Spanish soccer player Iker Casillas speaks to journalists before he leaves CUF Porto hospital accompanied by his wife Sara Carbonero in Porto, Portugal May 6, 2019.  REUTERS/Rafael Marchante/File Photo
Rafael MarchanteREUTERS

Iker Casillas is still determined to return to work this season after a heart attack scare in May that has left his career very much in question.

According to Portugal outlet A Bola, the Spanish goalkeeper will undergo several medical tests in the month of December. And if the tests prove positive, the former Real Madrid shot-stopper will be given the clear to return to the Porto goal six months after the frightening incident.

Casillas is currently acting as a liaison between the squad, the coaching staff and the Porto boardroom, a role offered to the Spanish player on a provisional basis as he continues his recovery. In fact, in August the 38-year-old was a late inclusion on Porto’s list of registered players for the Primeira Liga 2019/20 season, as both he and the club pin hopes on his return.

Porto coach: Champions like Casillas never give up

While medical experts and several personalities from the footballing world have advised that Casillas retire, the World Cup winner has always expressed his determination to return to the field of play.

In June, he took to Twitter to dismiss speculation that he was on the verge of announcing his retirement, stating: “The day will come when I have to retire. Please allow me to announce that decision when the moment arrives.”

Meanwhile, Porto coach Sergio Conceiçao, recently spoke about Casillas’s condition, highlighting his ambition and his desire to return.

“Iker is a champion and the champions never give up. Being registered at the last minute is a sign of his great will; he still has the footballer's DNA,” he said.

Having played professional football for 22 years, during which time he was won World Cup, Champions League, LaLiga, Copa del Rey and Primiera Liga titles, the last great challenge of Casillas’ career could perhaps be the most difficult of all.