Former Barcelona midfielder Xavi has talked up the personal qualities of Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas ahead of his departure from the club.
Madrid announced on Saturday that Casillas would be ending his 25-year stay at the La Liga giants after agreeing a move to Porto, much to the anger of his mother and some sections of the club's supporters.
"I have to publicly recognise that I appreciate Iker a lot, and I sincerely think that we have a strong friendship," Xavi said in Marca.
"There's a lot of years together, we had passed by a lot of moments, good and bad ones, and these are the ones which stick people together. And he's a very lovable guy.
"He has been always a joker, joyful, sincerely and really competitive guy."
The departing Casillas is thought to be making room for a new number one goalkeeper, as Madrid continue their pursuit of Manchester United's David De Gea.
