Iker Casillas has recalled his emotions when Real Madrid won the Champions League, admitting La Decima was a relief to the club.
Casillas captained Madrid to victory in May against Atletico Madrid as Los Blancos lifted the European Cup for the 10th time, 12 years after their last success in the competition.
The goalkeeper was speaking at an event where he was asked questions by children and much of the attention focused on the final, Mundo Deportivo reports.
“I felt relieved,” Casillas said when asked how it felt when Madrid were winners in Lisbon.
“We were looking for that for a long time. Real Madrid went 12 years without reaching the final of the most important tournament to our club.
“After we won it, having suffered until the last moments, we celebrated twice and La Decima is savoured by all Madrid fans. It took a weight off.
“Winning the World Cup is different because [the Champions League] is a tournament that has nothing to do with anyone else.
“For the generation of the last few years in Spain [the World Cup] was the way to bring happiness to the whole country.
“You have been lucky enough to grow up with a team that won two European Championships and the World Cup, whereas my memories are of eliminations in the quarter-finals and the misfortune of failing in penalty shootouts.
“You have enjoyed watching the wins in the major tournaments and the celebrations in the street.”
