Gianluigi Buffon has admitted that Iker Casillas' recent situation at Real Madrid would have 'frustrated' him.
The Spain custodian was demoted to Los Blancos' bench following the arrival of Diego Lopez in January 2013, amidst reports of a bust-up with then-Coach Jose Mourinho, and remained second choice under incumbent boss Carlo Ancelotti last season.
In a lengthy interview with AS on Thursday, the Juventus goalkeeper felt Casillas – who has since reclaimed his No 1 jersey – was unfairly victimised by Madrid, as he leapt to the defence of his fellow glovesman.
"Everyone is different, but I know that his situation would have frustrated me," he revealed. "I was very surprised by it. It's difficult to think that he can be disputed or left out of matches.
"I don't know if I agree with goalkeeping rotation, I feel it penalises you. When I feel good I prefer to play every game.
"Of course, the results can give reason to the Coach, but it's likely that it becomes a trend which risks being copied by many.
"However, a team of Madrid's calibre play about 60 games a year, so it won't be a problem if they rest their No 1 sporadically.
"Things [like the World Cup] can happen to you. A goalkeeper is not always infallible, he can make mistakes and cause defeats.
"When it comes to major teams like Madrid in Spain or Juventus in Italy, the criticism becomes more fierce, to the point that it destabilises you and makes you lose confidence.
"He's a good guy who I like talking to when we're on the pitch. He has been and remains a great goalkeeper. What I like most about him is the consistency he's had in his career, being decisive on so many occasions.
"Technically he's flawless. When you play so long for Madrid and your country, you have to be.
"Fans always like to idolise new players, but there are also players who are born to write history. Not all players are [capable of that]."
