Iker Casillas

Bridal event in Sevilla

Casillas Defends Coach As Raúl Row Continues

Iker Casillas has reiterated that he supports Luis Aragonés decision over whether Raúl González is in the Spain squad and point out that there are a lot of players not in the squad that could be.

The Real Madrid keeper was reacting to continuing pressure from the likes of AS and Marca in support of Raúl's return to the national team and believes that the coach knows best.

Spain are preparing to face France in a high profile friendly on Wednesday having qualified for Euro 2008 last year, but still the focus is being taken away from the game.

"Personally, I have made my feelings known on several occasions. Raúl is my teammate and it would be great if he was in the squad, but the coach has to choose," Casillas said.

"There are plenty of other players that have a chance that are not going as well.

"I have to accept the decisions that are made and respect the coach."

There has all been speculation about Aragonés own future as the trainer feels that there is a conspiracy out to pressure him into standing down before the championships start in the summer.

"All the players here are with the coach," Casillas continued.

"We have been behind him when things have been good and when things have been bad and he has been the same with us and has always supported the squad."

Finally, Casillas looked ahead to Group C in Euro 2008 which has seen three of the tournament favourites placed in the same pot, but the keeper believes that there could be a shock.

"It is a very difficult group with France, Italy and Holland in and you cannot rule out Romania causing a surprise," he suggested.

"There are always teams that nobody thinks of, but in a game anything can happen."

Real Madrid vs. Valladolid

Goalkeepers: Casillas and Dudek

Defenders: Sergio Ramos, Cannavaro, Michel Salgado, and Marcelo

Midfielders: Guti, Gago, Diarra, Balboa, Robben, and Drenthe

Forwards: Robinho, Higuain, Baptista, Soldado, and Raul

REAL MADRID - 7: Casillas, Míchel Salgado, Sergio Ramos (Diarra, 57’), Cannavaro, Marcelo, Robinho (Drenthe, 15’), Gago (Soldado, 74’), Guti, Robben, Baptista, and Raúl.

REAL VALLADOLID - 0: Asenjo, Marcos, García Calvo, Rafa, Pedro López, Álvaro Rubio, Vivar Dorado, Capdevila (Óscar Sánchez, 57’), Víctor (Borja, 45’), Sisi (Sesma, 72’), and Llorente.

GOALS:

1-0, (Min. 9) Baptista

2-0, (Min. 30) Raúli

3-0, (Min. 32) Robben

4-0, (Min. 38) Raúl

5-0, (Min. 44) Guti

6-0, (Min. 62) Guti

7-0, (Min. 79) Drenthe.

REFEREE: Ramírez Domínguez. Booked Sergio Ramos (22’) and Asenjo (38’)

NOTES: La Liga Matchday 23 played at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Casillas: I Would Select Raul, Guti For Spain

Iker Casillas, the goalkeeper of Real Madrid, affirmed that if it were up to him he would select teammates Raul Gonzalez, and Jose Maria Gutierrez 'Guti' for the Spanish national team.

Casillas is very confident in the quality of his teammates at Real Madrid, and stated that if it were up to him he would select both Raul and Guti for the Spanish national team.

"I would take Raul (to the national team)," declared Casillas.

"I spend time with him everyday. I know how he works and how he is playing. I can be in favour or against the national team coach, but I surely won't start trouble amongst my own team."

The Spanish international told the press that he respects Guti, a player who he feels has "matured a great deal over the last two years," and that when he is in good form "Real Madrid are also in good form."

"In reference to [Guti's future with] the national team, I feel in the same way as I do about Raul. If I would take Raul to the national team, I would take Guti as well, but the person who decides this is the national team coach," he added.

When asked if Luis Aragones could quit the national team before the European Championship, Casillas insisted that at no time did the coach tell him he had that intention in mind.

"Personally, I have spoken to him, and in no moment did he tell me that he would leave. I have spoken to the coach and I asked him if he would leave, and the answer was no," he affirmed.

In other news, Casillas was pleased that Real Madrid were "having a great season," and making their fans proud.

"We have had bad matches, but I think that at the Bernabeu the fans are having a great time, and they are enjoying the way the team are playing."

Raul & Iker have signed FOR LIFE with Real Madrid. Till however long they decide to play for football they have just signed the contract. :hell yea!:

La Liga - Raul and Casillas sign "deals for life"

Real Madrid heroes Raul and Iker Casillas have signed "deals for life" with the Liga leaders, lasting until 2011 (Raul) and 2016 (Iker) respectively.

Club captain Raul, 30, and vice captain Casillas, 26, were joined by Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon and Santiago Bernabeu legend Alfredo di Stefano to announce the agreements.

"Iker Casillas and Raul have both agreed to stay with the club for the rest of their sporting lives," Calderon said.

"On this day - Valentine's day - Iker, Raul and Real can say they love each other, they need each other, and complement each other - and will commit for life.

"I am not going to speak about money, but I can say they will earn less than they deserve because the example they set for the young and the enthusiasm they transmit to the fans isn't quantifiable.

"You cannot put a value on it."

The pair helped Madrid to their trophy in four years last season, securing the Liga title in the last match at home to Mallorca to prevent arch rivals Barcelona from taking a third-straight crown.

Raul, who has in recent months been omitted from Luis Aragones's Spain squads, emerged as a 17-year-old prodigy in 1994 and has since won five league titles and three Champions League trophies.

Casillas made his debut in 1999 having worked his way up through the club from a young age and has become the undisputed number one and captain of Spain in the absence of his club-mate.