Iker Casillas rushed to hospital after training ground heart attack as Porto confirm Real Madrid legend is in 'stable' condition

REAL MADRID legend and Porto star Iker Casillas has been rushed to hospital after suffering a heart attack during training.

The 37-year-old World Cup-winning goalkeeper was taken to the Hospital CUF in Porto earlier today.


Porto have confirmed the terrifying news but say the Spanish stopper is stable.

He is believed to be out of danger after he had a catheter inserted into his body.

A statement from Porto read: "Iker Casillas suffered an acute myocardial infarction during morning practice this Wednesday, at the PortoGaia Sports Formation and Training Centre, in Olival.

"The work session was promptly interrupted so that assistance could be given to the FC Porto goalkeeper, who is at this moment at the CUP Porto Hospital. Casillas is fine, stable and with his cardiac problem resolved."

The heart attack, or acute myocardial infarction, happens when a part of the heart does not receive enough blood.

Casillas is now expected to be ruled out for at least the rest of the season after the traumatic ordeal.

The star married Spanish TV journalist Sara Carbonero, 35, in 2015 and the couple have two sons, Martin and Lucas.

GLITTERING CAREER

Casillas is one of the most-decorated footballers on the planet after a glittering playing career.

He came through the ranks at Madrid and went on to become arguably the finest 'keeper ever to grace the hallowed Bernabeu pitch throughout his 16-year stay.

During the highly-successful period, with the majority spent as club captain, he won La Liga five times and also lifted the Champions League trophy on three occasions.

Casillas also counts two Copa del Rey titles, two Uefa Super Cups, one Intercontinental Cup and the Fifa World Club Cup among his accolades.

He played a staggering 725 times, the second most in Madrid's history, before joining Porto on a free transfer in 2015.

And he has continued the success in Portugal by capturing the Primeira Liga and Supertaca Candido de Oliveira crowns to his collection over the past two years.

But undoubtedly his greatest achievement came at international level as he kept guard for the legendary Spanish side throughout their four-year reign as the planet's most-feared football nation.

Casillas was in goal as La Roja claimed back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012, sandwiched between the 2010 World Cup triumph in South Africa.

After making his debut in 2000, he went on to win a national record 167 caps for his nation – making him the joint-most capped male footballer in history.

Now he looks unlikely to play any part in Porto's run-in as they battle Benfica for the title.

They have three games left to play in the Portuguese top-flight and trail their league-leading rivals by two points.

WELL-WISHES

The shock of Casillas' heart attack has led to a huge outpouring of support for the iconic goalie.

A statement from his former club said: "Real Madrid CF wants to transmit all their support to their beloved captain Iker Casillas.

"Iker Casillas has taught us throughout his professional career to overcome the most incredible challenges to enhance the glory of our club. It has taught us that giving up does not fit into our philosophy of life and has shown us countless times that being stronger the harder the challenge is, the way to achieve victory.

"Real Madrid CF and Real Madrid want to see their eternal captain recovered as soon as possible and send him all the courage of the world."

Gareth Bale was quick to tweet a picture of the pair in action for Madrid, captioned with: "Get well soon my friend @IkerCasillas."

Current Madrid 'keeper Thibaut Courtois led it, tweeting "Strength @IkerCasillas" along with a praying emoji.

Liverpool Loris Karius, on-loan at Besiktas, wrote: "Shocked about the news! Get well soon @IkerCasillas."

Casillas' former Madrid team-mate Sergio Ramos was also among those to send his well-wishes, tagging the star in a tweet alongside a praying hands emoji.

And it is not only the footballing world keen to show the goalkeeper support.

Tennis legend Rafa Nadal also sent his best to his fellow Spaniard, tweeting: "A huge hug to Iker Casillas right now. Iker Force!"





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