Real Madrid legend Casillas reacts to Mourinho’s Bernabeu return: ‘Let’s hope he does well’ | OneFootball

Former goalkeeper Iker Casillas has spoken publicly for the first time since Jose Mourinho was appointed as Real Madrid’s new head coach, offering a measured response despite the well-documented history between the two club legends.

Speaking to DAZN (h/t Mundo Deportivo), the Real Madrid legend was primarily discussing Spain’s national team but was inevitably asked about Mourinho’s return to the Santiago Bernabéu.

A brief but respectful response

Casillas, despite his strained relationship with Mourinho, kept his comments short and diplomatic.

“Well. Good. The club has decided that Jose has to come to Real Madrid and best of luck,” Casillas began.

He finished by expressing his hope that Mourinho’s second spell would benefit both the coach and the club.

“Let’s hope he does well, which will be good for Madrid,” he concluded.

Back at the Santiago Bernabeu. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

A complicated relationship

The relationship between Casillas and Mourinho during the Portuguese manager’s first spell at Real Madrid was far from smooth.

One of the defining moments of Mourinho’s tenure came when he dropped Casillas from the starting lineup in favour of Diego Lopez, despite the goalkeeper’s status as one of the greatest players in the club’s history.

Their disagreements became one of the most widely discussed storylines of that era.

Reflecting on his tenuous relationship with the Portuguese, Casillas recently said: “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.”

Casillas had a falling out with Mourinho. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Because of that history, many expected Casillas to be more critical following Mourinho’s return.

Previous doubts about the appointment

Casillas had previously expressed reservations about the possibility of Mourinho returning to the Bernabeu.

He also publicly supported Enrique Riquelme’s presidential campaign during Real Madrid’s most recent elections, rather than backing the club’s current direction.

However, now that Mourinho’s appointment has been confirmed, the former captain has chosen to put past differences aside and publicly wish the Portuguese coach success.

While their relationship may never fully escape the events of Mourinho’s first spell at Real Madrid, Casillas’ latest comments suggest that his priority remains the club’s success, regardless of who occupies the dugout.