Granero: Iker is indisputable

Former Real Madrid midfielder Esteban Granero has reflected on Iker Casillas’ situation, as well as life at recently-relegated QPR.

The 25-year-old is a Madrid youth product and, after a spell at Getafe, spent three years in the senior squad alongside Casillas, who is struggling to get back into the first XI at the Santiago Bernabeu this second half of the season under Jose Mourinho.

“It is hard to judge from the outside. Obviously there is conflict. I know Iker very well and he is the best goalkeeper in the world,” began Granero to AS today.

“He is the captain of the team and has lifted the World Cup and European Championship twice. He is a symbol of Real Madrid. He has spent 20 years at the club and for me has always been an example.

“But I’m not the Coach and I am not the one to evaluate the situation of each individual.

“You can also say that Diego Lopez has not been afforded anything that he hasn’t deserved. I know him from the B team and I’ve seen him train like crazy. He is very professional.

“I cannot give the view from the outside, but Casillas is Casillas and he is indisputable. I do not mean as a permanent fixture, but as a figure, it cannot be argued that he is not a symbol, an emblem, and as a goalkeeper.

“But I am not there and the Coach is smart enough and professional enough to choose on form.”

Granero left Madrid last summer to join Premier League side Queens Park Rangers, who were recently relegated from the English top flight.

“My ambition remains the same. You always have to be disappointed with how things have gone. The results have been negative, so it is the responsibility of everyone. I take mine.

“My enthusiasm to continue playing football and to continue to grow is the same or greater. I have learned a lot as a persona and especially as a footballer. This League makes you grow a lot. Now I feel stronger than a year ago.

“Will I stay at QPR? Again it will be a summer of little stability. We will have to wait for the season to end and to talk to the club. We will see what is best for everyone.”

Tags Casillas Granero QPR
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