Iker Casillas has reflected once more on how he and Xavi Hernandez crossed the Clasico divide for Spain and on his future at Real Madrid.
The goalkeeper famously spoke with his Barcelona friend and Spain teammate Xavi in 2011 to try and ease tensions between La Roja’s international players representing the Catalans and Madrid, after a number of clashes during Clasico meetings that year.
“Did I save the atmosphere in the national team? No, I did not save anything,” Casillas mused in conversation this week with El Pais on the phonecall with Xavi.
“I called Xavi because it was my duty and my responsibility as captain, because I saw what I had to do because we were making mistakes.
“Because I represent a country and defend an idea. We talked to redirect what was happening because we were worried.
“I had not seen since I was a child this image of Barca-Madrid that we were presenting and I was there, the protagonist of an unforgivable mistake and responsible in part for what was happening. And as a protagonist, I made a decision.
“Is that why I was dropped by Real Madrid? No, no. What I know is that my conscience is very calm.
“Look, what I had clear was that for Madrid, as a team, this was taking its toll and I always think of the team rather than me.
“Since that call to Xavi we have won a Cup, a Supercopa and with Spain the European Championship…
“I am not playing for a technical decision, I have said this 100 times. And we are here to talk about the national team.”
Even so, the ‘keeper was asked if he feels he will be a starter at Brazil next summer if he remains out of the first team at Madrid.
“Nobody knows what will happen tomorrow, you live in the moment. Three years ago it was wonderful, spectacular, not only with the national team but at Real Madrid too.
“I do not know what will happen tomorrow. Hopefully this is a question I have next year when Madrid have won the League, Cup and Champions League. And for Spain, the World Cup.”
