A Portuguese report has added fuel to the growing chatter about Iker Casillas pondering a move to the Chicago Fire, with Lisbon-based newspaper Record claiming that the illustrious Spanish goalkeeper has asked his countryman and former national team colleague David Villa about life in MLS.
Multiple outlets have reported that Casillas, 36, is mulling the opportunity to join the Fire from Portuguese giants Porto this winter, and he’s apparently gotten a glowing report from Villa, the 2016 MLS MVP, on his experiences in North America with New York City FC.
“When Iker and other people ask me about the MLS, I tell them how I'm living there and what I'm enjoying,” said Villa, who competed against Casillas – a Real Madrid icon dubbed San Iker (“Saint Iker”) by Blancos fans – in La Liga for years in addition to their many achievements together with Spain. “I do not plan to return to Europe.”
Casillas has long been rumored to be interested in coming to MLS. The 'keeper has built a legendary career on both the club and international levels, winning five La Liga titles and three UEFA Champions League crowns with Madrid and leading Spain to the 2008 and 2012 European Championships and 2010 World Cup title.