Iker Casillas has reflected that the Confederations Cup with Spain has him feeling the same as he did when he was first involved with the national team.
The 32-year-old is at the tournament with La Roja vying for a place in the starting line-up alongside Victor Valdes and Pepe Reina.
Uncertainty surrounds Casillas’ place due to his extended period away from competitive football at club level, during the second half to Real Madrid’s 2012-13 campaign.
Whilst it has the ‘keeper in doubt about his place, he admits that it has also returned him to a mindset not experienced in over a decade.
“I come into this tournament differently to other championships. Previously it was with the condition of a starter in the team and this time I have arrived not in the same way,” Casillas told reporters at his Press conference on Saturday night.
“It is true that I have gone long without playing and that there may be some doubt to my match fitness. The other day against the Republic of Ireland in New York, whilst I had some nerves for having gone so long without playing, I felt at ease and comfortable.
“I returned to savouring the feeling of playing. I felt the same as I did 13 years ago when I first came to the national team. I have the ambition of day one and the same pride of playing for Spain.
“I have gone four-and-a-half months without playing and I was accustomed to going to the bench for my team. At home I was not playing for my club.
“When Del Bosque provided the list on June 4 it brought me great joy and I decided to seize the opportunity.
“I do not know if I am starting. I have arrived here at a disadvantage, but I have worked hard during the 10 days to be on a par with Reina and Valdes.
“I realise that I begin at a disadvantage, but I am trying to reach my best level.
“I’m ready to play, but it is a question for Vicente del Bosque. The Coach has three goalkeepers who give absolute assurance that whoever will play will defend well the goal of Spain.”
La Roja head into Sunday’s game against Uruguay with opponent and Atletico Madrid man Cristian Rodriguez likening the contest to the Copa del Rey Final that Atleti won this year against Real Madrid, despite being underdogs.
“With all respect and without wanting to argue, the Copa del Rey Final has nothing to do with this. I was at that game and the difference was that Atletico took their chances well and Real Madrid had no luck with the posts.
“Also, I think that Thibaut Courtois was excellent and played a great final. So Uruguay do not deceive us because they are a great team and they will try to surprise Spain.
“We do not expect a game as comfortable as that we enjoyed in February in Qatar. This is an official tournament and we will see Uruguay compete in the same spirit with which they did at the World Cup.”
Casillas was asked of the prospect of a final against hosts Brazil.
“It would be a game that many people would want, between the two teams that are emerging as favourites in the betting, but they have to confirm this prediction on the field against other teams who have also previously been champions.”
