Vicente del Bosque says Iker Casillas’ state of mind convinced him he was ready to play for Spain, as he reveals a hint dropped by the goalkeeper on his future.
The Real Madrid man hasn’t featured at club level competitively for a number of months and debate has centred this international break on his place with the national team.
However, Del Bosque selected the 32-year-old for Friday’s World Cup qualifier against Finland in Helsinki, after talking with him.
“I asked Iker how he was. I did not want to impose anything on him,” the 62-year-old tactician reflected on SER programme El Larguero.
“He said it had been a difficult time, but that he was more comfortable and quiet and that he had half-solved his future.
“I hurt for the other two. I have said that with Iker we must remember, but also with Valdes, who saved us against France in Paris and that is something I will not ever forget.
“I have much appreciation to the three goalkeepers. I focus on them when talking of the friendliness of the group.
“Victor accepts very nicely Iker starting, he fits in very well, despite the many external influences and receiving little help, he has been very good.
“Any decision on who plays would be contested and applauded. And I do not dislike this. It’s hard to have everyone in agreement, the circumstances that cross Madrid and Barcelona.”
Del Bosque commented last week on his belief that Casillas’ attempts alongside Xavi Hernandez to ease relations between Madrid and Barca players for the good of the national team has been to his detriment.
“It is the origin of everything, everything stems from there. It seems that it is not liked when there are two parallel issues – the stubborn defence of his club and the Spanish national team.
“We have had to lessen the damage of that situation.”
