Iker Casillas Equals Real Madrid Goalkeeping Record

At just 27 years of age, Iker Casillas already holds the record for appearances for a Real Madrid goalkeeper. His clean sheet against Racing Santander was his 454th outing, thus drawing him level at the top of the list with Madrid legend Paco Buyo.

Casillas has certainly come a long way since making his debut against Athletic Bilbao on September 12, 1999, and he told reporters last night, "I did not know that I was about to break the record, until journalists informed me two months ago."

"It is an honour to equal Paco Buyo, an idol for all goalkeepers, and it will be a pleasure to surpass him. When I made my debut, I did not imagine that I could reach that figure."

For his part, Buyo returned the compliments, saying, "It does not hurt when the best goalkeeper in the world breaks your record.

"Because of his skill and physical qualities, Casillas will play more games than Raul and break all the records of this club. He has a lot of hunger to win and continue improving."

There are now only five players who have played more games for Real Madrid than Casillas: Manolo Sanchis (712), Raul (684), Carlos Santillana (643), Paco Gento (605) and Fernando Hierro (601).

Arjun Miglani, Goal.com


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