Was nervous before match, says Casillas

Jun 10, 2013 |

MADRID

Spanish captain Iker Casillas has admitted that he isn’t assured of his place in the side for the upcoming Confederations Cup having not played a competitive match for the last four months.
Goalkeeper Casillas made his comeback in Spain’s unconvincing 2-1 win over Central American minnows Haiti in a friendly in Miami on Saturday night and said he appreciated starting a lot more after being dropped by former Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho at club level.
“It has seemed like a long time, but I also have to look on the bright side and now moments like this taste better,” he told Spanish TV station Telecinco.
“I am happy, but I was also a bit nervous because I have spent such a long time without playing.
“I see myself fighting for my place, but as I have said before I start at a disadvantage with respect to my teammates. I will fight with Pepe (Reina) and Victor (Valdes) to try and help the team.”
The 31-year-old also played down concerns that his relationship with club and international temmate Alvaro Arbeloa had cooled after the defender came out strongly in defence of Mourinho earlier this week. “He has his point of view and we don’t have to go over it again. The important thing is I have returned to playing.
“I don’t have to speak to him about anything. It is his opinion and I need to respect it. Moreover, he is right in a large part of what he said.” Spain will now travel to New York to face the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday.

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