Jose Mourinho and Iker Casillas clashed in Real Madrid repeatedly during their time but now Tottenham boss claimed that the couple had repaired their relationship.
The manager says they’ve developed an “honest friendship” after the pair challenged at Real Madrid during their time.
After a legendary 22-year playing career that saw him win a host of club and country trophies, Casillas announced his retirement Tuesday.
Among the honors, the 39-year-old secured during his career are two European Championships and one World Cup with Spain, and five La Liga titles and three Champions League crowns with Real Madrid.
Casillas fell out with Mourinho near the end of his run with Real Madrid, who dropped long-time starter from his side in favor of Diego Lopez.
Following a clash with Casillas and Sergio Ramos amongst others, Mourinho left Madrid at the end of the 2012-13 season to rejoin Chelsea.
Now managing Tottenham, Mourinho has claimed to have patched things up with his former goalkeeper and paid tribute to Casillas as he officially called time on his playing career.
“His intelligence and maturity always made us respect each other and years later we were even able to cultivate an honest friendship,” Mourinho told AS before acknowledging the difficulties the pair had in the past.
“For Real Madrid, La Roja and world football, he’s a historic goalkeeper,” Mourinho continued. “I won La Liga with him, and due to my professional and never personal decision to play another player I had difficult moments with him.”
Mourinho added that Casillas is “a great goalkeeper and a very good man.”
