FORMER Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas has defied all the odds and is back at work, starting the preseason with his current team Oporto – just two months after having stents fitted following a sudden heart attack.
The 38-year-old collapsed on the pitch on April 30 during training and was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery, which went smoothly, allowing him to be discharged a week later.
He said at the time that his 'future was uncertain', and speculation in the media – especially in Portugal – has been rife that he would have to retire from the sport as a consequence of his condition.
Iker has mostly been in Madrid since then, as his wife, TV reporter Sara Carbonero, discovered days later that she had early-stage ovarian cancer and needs to be in the capital for treatment following surgery.
The convalescing couple was unable to attend Iker's ex-Real Madrid colleague Sergio Ramos' wedding in Sevilla on June 15 because of their respective health problems.
But Iker had stressed that he had no idea as yet about the immediate future of his career, and that fans would hear any news about it from him first.
“Retire...there will come a day when I have to retire. Let me announce said news when the time comes. For the moment, all quiet,” he tweeted.
Now, though, the Spanish national team goalie has tweeted: “Back to work. First day,” and tagged @FCPorto in the message.
Photograph: Iker Casillas on Twitter (@IkerCasillas)
