‘Most difficult period of my career’ – Real Madrid legend reveals the truth behind Mourinho fallout and Bernabeu exit | OneFootball

Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas has revisited one of the most controversial periods of his career, opening up about his fractured relationship with Jose Mourinho and how it ultimately influenced his departure from the Santiago Bernabéu.

Speaking during an interview with Romario on his YouTube channel, the former goalkeeper reflected on the tensions that developed during Mourinho’s time in charge and admitted that the situation became increasingly difficult to manage as the years went by.

Looking back on that period, Casillas described it as the most challenging stage of his professional career.

“It was the most difficult period of my career because I was the captain. 

“I had to talk to him constantly, deal with many issues, and, in the end, something that starts as a beautiful marriage, full of love and affection, turns into a complete divorce as time goes by.”

Nothing against Mourinho

Despite the difficulties they experienced, Casillas made it clear that there is no longer any animosity between the two figures.

Casillas left as a Real Madrid legend. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

“Today, I believe that between José and me, things have moved on. If we have to see each other, we see each other; it’s no problem. But back then, it was tough.”

The former Spain international also admitted that the friction during those years may have played a role in the end of his time at Real Madrid.

Discussing the circumstances surrounding his departure, Casillas explained.

“It may be that this was the start of my departure. But it’s also true that I went on to win the European Cup. I believe everything has a beginning and an end. 

“When you’re captain and you have to deal with constant problems—not just with the manager, but also with the club—in the end that friction means you start to get a bit fed up, both the club with me and me with the club. 

“But it’s not the club, it’s the people. And I realised that, after everything I’d been through and the whole period I’d spent there—more than 15 years—I needed a change of scenery and a break.”

Why Porto?

Casillas moved to FC Porto from Real Madrid. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

More than a decade later, Casillas’ exit remains one of the most emotional departures in modern Real Madrid history.

As captain, academy graduate and one of the greatest goalkeepers the club has ever produced, many supporters expected him to spend his entire career at the Bernabeu. 

Instead, internal tensions and changing circumstances gradually brought an end to an era.

Casillas eventually chose Porto as the next step in his career, believing a fresh challenge was needed after spending over 15 years at Real Madrid.

Explaining that decision, he concluded, “We all needed a change of scenery, and in the end I chose Porto because it was in a neighbouring country.

“It was close to home, and I wanted to experience a slightly different kind of football to what I’d experienced before.”