Sport

I've cried, I've suffered: Casillas

IANS

Spain's World Cup winning captain Iker Casillas has revealed he was brought to tears by the indifferent attitude of former Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho.

The 32-year-old says he is a new man after making his first competitive appearance since January in Spain's 2-1 defeat of Uruguay in the Confederations Cup last week, reports Xinhua.

"I've cried," Casillas admitted in an interview with Fifa.com. "I've suffered, I've been unwell, I've had sleepless nights."

Despite having recovered from a hand injury in March, Casillas was overlooked by Mourinho for the remainder of the season in favour of Diego Lopez.

He admitted he would have considered leaving Real Madrid had Mourinho not left to Chelsea.

"I'm a Madridista right down to my soul and, above all else, what matters to me is the club," he said.

"I would love to retire at Real Madrid, but I will not create problems if a coach does not want me."

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has rotated his goalkeepers during the Confederations Cup group phase, with Casillas, Victor Valdes and Pepe Reina all playing a game each.

But Casillas is expected to be chosen for Spain's semi-final against Italy here Thursday.

"I have regained my happiness," he said. "It was not easy but I'm another Iker Casillas now.

"After five months, it takes some time until everything comes back to you, but, luckily, I have had a great deal of help of my teammates and coach (Del Bosque) and that's important when you have to start over again."

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