GOAL

Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola has hailed Iker Casillas as arguably the greatest goalkeeper in the history of Real Madrid.

The former Barcelona coach has paid tribute to the new Porto ace, who last week left the Santiago Bernabeu after a 25-year association

Casillas announced on Sunday that he was leaving Los Blancos for Porto, ending a 25-year association with the Spanish side that featured five Liga title triumphs and three Champions League successes.

The manner of his departure upset many Madrid fans, with the 34-year-old having been left all alone to announce his exit at a press conference at the Santiago Bernabeu, without a single club official present.

Blancos president Florentino Perez did arrange a press conference at the Santiago Bernabeu the following day to pay tribute to the World Cup winner and former Barcelona boss Guardiola says that it was only right that Casillas' enormous contribution was recognised.

"I, of course, have great respect for Iker," the ex-Spain international told reporters.

"He was, if not the greatest, one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of Madrid."