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Report: Zinedine Zidane offered Iker Casillas Real Madrid return

By Marco D'Onofrio

Aug 2, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas (1) during the second half against the Manchester United at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 2, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas (1) during the second half against the Manchester United at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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According to Spanish outlet Cadena SER, Zinedine Zidane offered Iker Casillas an opportunity to return to Real Madrid but was declined.

Zinedine Zidane was officially named head coach of Real Madrid on Monday, but according to a report out of Spain he had already expected to replace Rafa Benitez. The aforementioned report suggests that Zidane knew he would be taking over the helm at the Santiago Bernabeu, and had already started to envision who he’d like on his roster.

Cadena SER claims that the new Real Madrid head coach had approached another club legend, Iker Casillas, about a return to the club that he had spent his entire career at. However, the Frenchman was turned down by the Spanish goalkeeper as he is said to be happy with his current club, Porto.

Casillas left the club on a free transfer in the summer. He had grown through the club developmental system, and had been with Los Blancos since 1998. The goalkeeper spent 16 seasons playing with the Real Madrid first team.

The 34-year-old had won everything with the Spanish giants, including 5 La Liga championships, 3 UEFA Champions League titles, 2 Copa del Reys, & a Club World Cup in 2014. Casillas also helped lead Spain to European Championships in 2008 and 2012, as well as a World Cup triumph in 2010.

The Spaniard has adjusted to life well in Portugal, featuring in 15 league games and all six Champions League matches for Porto. The club will be in action next on Wednesday, when they host Rio Ave at the Estadio do Dragao.

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