Iker Casillas heart attack: Sport names pay tribute to FC Porto goalkeeper after he suffers ‘myocardial infarction’
FC Porto have confirmed that Casillas is in a stable condition after being rushed to hospital
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A number of sporting names including Rafael Nadal and Gareth Bale have sent their best wishes to Iker Casillas after the World Cup-winning goalkeeper was rushed to hospital following suspected heart attack.
The FC Porto goalkeeper, 37, collapsed during training on Wednesday and was transferred to CUF Hospital in the Portuguese city.
It has been confirmed Casillas is out of danger and in a stable condition, but the news has been greeted with great concern for one of the best-known footballer of his generation.
The Spaniard has played more than 1,000 career matches for Real Madrid, Porto and the Spanish international team, captaining Spain to their first ever World Cup triumph in 2010 as well as their 2008 European Championship success.
An FC Porto statement read: “The goalkeeper suffered a heart attack during the morning training session on Wednesday.
“Iker Casillas suffered an acute myocardial infarction during Wednesday morning’s training session held at the PortoGaia Training Centre in Olival.
“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.”
Former Arsenal and Spain midfielder Santi Cazorla wrote on Twitter next to a number of praying emojis: “Come on captain, big hugs.”
Seventeen-time Grand Slam tennis champion Rafael Nadal added: “A huge hug to @IkerCasillas right now. Come on Iker!”
His former Real Madrid teammate Gareth Bale said “Get well sooner my friend @IkerCasillas” while former NFL star Chad Johnson tweeted “@IkerCasillas You’re in my prayers boss”.
Fellow goalkeeper Loris Karius, the Liverpool stopper currently on loan with Besiktas, said “Shocked about the news! Get well soon @IkerCasillas”, and former opponent Jerome Boateng of Bayern Munich and Germany said “Hope you get well soon @IkerCasillas”.
A number of clubs, including Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham and AS Roma, posted messages on Twitter hoping for a swift recovery, while his former club Real Madrid said: "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."
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