Iker Casillas says “I found what I needed” at Porto after starting his 100th match as Spain captain in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Slovakia.
The goalkeeper's top-level career appeared to be nearing its end following an under-par 2014 World Cup campaign and a season ravaged by instances of perceived poor performances and booing from sections from the Real Madrid crowd.
However, having started the season with Porto strongly since arriving in July, he has thanked his new club for allowing him to remain La Roja's first choice between the sticks.
“We've recovered first place, which we'd been looking to do for months,” he said after the game, which saw Spain move top of Group C in Euro 2016 qualifying with only three games left.
“Against Macedonia, we have an important match en route to qualifying from our group.
“We played very well, as we have before. This is the path we must follow. In the second half, we continued to create chances.
“I hope we all do our part [to eliminate the boos directed at Gerard Pique].
“We'll try to turn the situation he's facing around, but the less said about the issue, the better.
“I found what I needed [at Porto]. I wanted a new challenge and found it outside of Spain.
“I have a new source of enthusiasm and now must try to help [Spain and Porto] win trophies as I have done throughout my career.”
