Manchester United transfer news: Iker Casillas warns Real against signing David de Gea
Iker Casillas has warned Real Madrid against signing United goalkeeper David de Gea months after competitor Diego Lopez's exit.Lopez, signed by Jose Mourinho from Sevilla two years ago, replaced Casillas as Real's No.1 and even retained his place in the majority of La Liga games under Carlo Ancelotti.
However, Lopez was sold to AC Milan in the summer and although Costa Rica World Cup hero Keylor Navas was brought in, Casillas has regained his form after two average seasons.
De Gea, heavily linked with a Real move, has emerged as Casillas' successor at club and international level but the three-time Champions League winner hinted he would not welcome De Gea's return to Madrid.
"I told them that I must play or go," Casillas said, referring to his rotation saga with Lopez."The only thing is that if you start the season and you’re not playing,
you must understand and respect the coach's decision to choose someone else. I want to play, but I’ve never demanded to play."The club have behaved in a very loving way. They have always tried to motivate me during difficult times. I’m not thinking about June, only the next morning.
"At the end of the day, I’ve received so much [from Madrid]. I’m back focused on enjoying my time here,
I feel important again and hope to exploit the opportunities I get."
Casillas' contract at Real expires in two-and-a-half years and he is "realistic" about what might unravel at the Bernabeu.
"I’ll be 36 by the time my contract ends in 2017," Casillas, now 33, added.
"I need to be realistic. At that age, things must slowly be considered.
"I hope the club tells me that they want me to continue, but I think I should go step by step."http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/manchester-united-transfer-news-iker-8411969btw