Former Barcelona midfielder Xavi is unhappy with the way Real Madrid have treated his friend and former international teammate Iker Casillas.
The shot-stopper yesterday departed Santiago Bernabeu for Porto, while the former Blaugrana man himself has recently left Camp Nou for Qatari side Al Sadd.
Los Blancos have received much criticism for the way they have handled the departure of the goalkeeping legend, something which Xavi believes is fully justified.
"It cannot be that maturing Spanish athletes are not shown sufficient respect," Xavi said in an interview with La Vanguardia.
"He is going to Porto and I am sure he will be welcomed as a hero. Away from here (Madrid) they will appreciate him more."
35-year-old Xavi also expressed his belief that Casillas had not appeared to be enjoying himself as much in his final few years at Madrid.
"I look at Iker and I have the feeling that lately he is playing under pressure, as if he has to prove what a great keeper he is in every match, without the joy he always had."
"In recent years I have seen that he is not enjoying himself like before. He even seems bitter and I think everyone in this country should think about this.
"It cannot be that people neglect to value everything they have done for their sport and instead focus on their defects, sometimes with malicious intent."
