Del Bosque: We must protect Casillas

Vicente del Bosque has reflected that Real Madrid and Spain’s Iker Casillas ‘is a legend in Spanish football’ and that ‘he must be protected’.

The 31-year-old is back to full training at Madrid after a two-month injury lay-off but has found that Diego Lopez remains first choice between the sticks.

The situation is amid continued speculation that Casillas and Coach Jose Mourinho do not see eye to eye.

“Casillas is a legend in Spanish football, nobody has done what he has, but suddenly he is in an uncomfortable situation,” Del Bosque told reporters at an event this week.

“He is a player of ours and like all legends he must be protected.

“It is a decision for the Coaches and the club. I won't say a word on the matter, you won't even get a smile from me on it.

“It's not a trivial matter because you have to respect the club and his Coach and I don't want to cause problems with anybody.”

Del Bosque was asked of Casillas’ chances of making the Spain squad for the summer’s Confederations Cup in Brazil if he doesn’t play again until then.

“I don't think they would have questioned [Peter] Shilton in England in the same situation or other players who have been legends in their national teams.

“The important thing is he is back from injury, that he is training and we have enough time ahead of us to make decisions.

“What I must say is he is our player, he is one of the best to have played for us in over 140 matches and we're very fond of him so the most logical thing is to have him with us.

“Casillas is a

“We have to look after players who have given everything to the national team, without that meaning that we are going against anybody.”

Tags Casillas Del Bosque mourinho Spain
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