Xavi: Casillas won't quit Real for Barca

Posted Friday, April 19, 2013 by Foxsports.com

Xavi insists that close friend Iker Casillas will not quit Real Madrid for Barcelona.

Barcelona are on the hunt for a new keeper after Victor Valdes has said he does not want to extend his current contract until 2014 and could therefore be on his way out in the summer. Casillas has also been linked with a move away from Real Madrid after losing his starting berth at the club, setting up a circumstance where a Barca bid for the Spaniard would benefit both parties.

However, Xavi believes that Casillas' loyalty to Madrid will prevent the move from happening.

"I feel bad for Iker that he has ended up on the bench and I think it's unfair. I do not think that he will come to Barcelona, though," Xavi told El Mundo Deportivo.
"He's a real Madridista. We cannot look beyond that. I would welcome him with open arms, but I cannot see it happen to be honest."

Xavi also praised Valdes for his performance in the face of criticism.

"I know Victor pretty well and I do not think that he will have second thoughts. He is an extraordinary person and I am sad that he will leave," he added.

"He is not only a friend, but also a real leader. He has probably received the worst treatment in the media I have ever seen in my career. He has always overcome criticism. The harsher the criticism, the better his performances."