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Real Madrid news: Sergio Ramos posts moving statement after Kiko Casilla leaves for Leeds
REAL MADRID skipper Sergio Ramos has paid tribute to Kiko Casilla after the goalkeeper joined Leeds.
The Whites completed the capture on a free transfer after Casilla negotiated a deal to buy himself out of his remaining 18 months at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The 32-year-old began his career with Real Madrid before rejoining the club back in 2015 after spending eight seasons with Espanyol.
Casilla will now rival Bailey Peacock-Farrell for the number one spot at Elland Road.
The 22-year-old has started all but one of Leeds’ 27 matches in the Championship this season.
Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos issued a statement upon Casilla’s departure to wish him good luck in his new adventure.
He tweeted: “Kiko Casilla, always one of us. I'll miss you and not just for the goals in training. Good luck, my friend!”
The message was accompanied with a picture of Casilla holding up his jersey with Ramos and Luka Modric inside the Real Madrid dressing room.
Regarding Casilla's move, Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa said: "We needed an alternative for the goalkeeper position, and Victor Orta [Leeds director of football] is responsible for the arrival.
.@KikoCasilla13, siempre de los nuestros. Te echaré de menos, amigo, y no solo por los chicharros de los entrenamientos.???????????? Suerte en tu nueva etapa, porterazo. ????????????
— Sergio Ramos (@SergioRamos) January 17, 2019
Kiko Casilla, always one of us. I’ll miss you and not just for the goals in training ???????????? Good luck, my friend! pic.twitter.com/jz8DpVHEJL
"I don't have to make any comment on Casilla because his career speaks for itself.
"He is a complete player. The fact that the goalkeeper from Real Madrid comes to Leeds, I think the owner of the club should be proud to attract this type of player."
The Argentine also revealed that Casilla will have to wait for his chance and will not go straight into the team this coming weekend.
"Today has been his first session with us. He won't play against Stoke, even if he's fit to do it, he won't do it," he added.
✍ | #LUFC are delighted to announce the signing of Real Madrid goalkeeper @KikoCasilla13 on a four-and-a-half year deal at Elland Road
— Leeds United (@LUFC) January 17, 2019
"We'll see the evolution in the next few days and take a decision."
The Championshsip leaders have now addressed their problem between the sticks, Peacock-Farrell was their only fit goalkeeper available for selection until Casilla signed on the dotted line.
Jamal Blackman suffered a fractured tibia back in November and had only previously appeared twice in the League Cup.
Casilla will wear the No 33 shirt and more signings could follow as Bielsa looks to sustain Leeds’ chances of promotion.