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Iker Casillas welcomes David de Gea competition at Real Madrid

By Steven Toplis, Reporter | 27 May 2015

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas has said that he would welcome the challenge provided by his compatriot David de Gea, should the Manchester United man join the club.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas has said that he would welcome the challenge for a first-team spot should David de Gea join the club.

The Manchester United stopper has been heavily linked with a move to the Spanish giants following a fine season at Old Trafford.

Casillas has been heavily criticised by a section of the Madrid support in recent years, but the 34-year-old insists that he will be staying and will relish the competition that De Gea will provide.

"I'm delighted with the competition. My contract does not say I have to start. I would like to finish my career here," Casillas told Cadena Ser.

"[De Gea] is a really nice boy and a goalkeeper for the present and future. We have a very close relationship. If he comes in the next year or after that he would be well received and we would help him. We will compete like we compete in the national team.

"He can handle the pressure and will be served from his experience at United."

De Gea joined United from Atletico Madrid in 2011.