Iker Casillas hospitalised after suffering suspected heart attack at FC Porto training ground
Casillas was taken urgently to CUF Hospital in Porto but local reports say he is now out of danger
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World Cup winner Iker Casillas is in hospital after suffering a suspected heart attack during training.
The former Spain international, who now plies his trade with FC Porto after spending the rest of his career at Real Madrid, is understood to be 'out of danger' after being urgently taken into care this morning.
Casillas, 37, is one of the most successful footballers of the modern era. Born in Mostoles, the goalkeeper has played over 1,000 career games and has won every trophy there is to win, including leading Spain to their first-ever World Cup triumph at South Africa 2010. Casillas holds the Spanish record for most international appearances (167), has been nominated for the Ballon d'Or and won the Champions League three times.
After being forced out of Madrid by Jose Mourinho, Casillas has spent the twilight of his career with Porto, one of Portugal's most successful clubs.
It was at Porto training on Wednesday morning where the veteran keeper was taken from the field feeling unwell.
Local reports from Maisfutebol say that Casillas was rushed into surgery but that he is now conscious and out of danger. The Spaniard is understood to have undergone a cardiac catheterisation
FC Porto released a statement on Wednesday afternoon to clarify the situation: "Iker Casillas suffered an acute myocardial heart attack during training on Wednesday morning.
"The training session was promptly interrupted to provide assistance to the FC Porto goalkeeper, who is currently at CUF Hospital Porto. Casillas is well, stable and his heart problem is resolved.”
A statement from former club Real Madrid read: "Iker Casillas has shown us throughout his professional career how to overcome incredible challenges to bring glory to our club.
"He has shown us that giving up is now part of our philosophy and has demonstrated to us innumerable times that being most strong when the challenge is most difficult is the way to achieve victory.
"Real Madrid and its fans wish to see their eternal captain recuperated as soon as possible and send him all the best wishes in the world."
Spanish tennis champion Rafael Nadal was among the leading figures to send his best wishes to Casillas, saying: "A big hug to you Iker in this moment. Fuerza Iker."
Former Spain and Madrid teammate Sergio Ramos sent prayers for the stricken goalkeeper.
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