Spain boss Vicente del Bosque has explained that Iker Casillas fully understands why David De Gea was picked ahead of him for their opening Euro 2016 match.
La Roja kicked off their European Championship campaign against Czech Republic on Monday afternoon, with the defending champions requiring an 87th-minute Gerard Pique header to settle the clash 1-0.
Casillas had been Spain’s first-choice at every tournament since 2000, leading his side to success at Euro 2008, Euro 2012 and the World Cup in between.
But with the 35-year-old leaving Real Madrid for Porto last year and approaching the end of his career, Manchester United shot-stopper De Gea has been rotated between the sticks in recent times, as Del Bosque prepares for the next wave of Spanish talent.
De Gea was picked to start in Toulouse two days ago, despite untimely allegations emerging that he was involved in a sex abuse case in Spain, putting the matter behind him to keep a clean sheet in the Group D opener.
Speaking ahead of Spain’s second match of the tournament against Turkey in Nice on Friday, Del Bosque has revealed details of a conversation he had with the axed Casillas after Monday’s slender victory. The 65-year-old claims it “pained” him to drop the Porto man, but insists Casillas completely accepts the decision.
“No, as I did not explain anything when he played either,” Del Bosque told Telecinco when asked if he explained why he was dropping Casillas before Monday’s match.
“For me, that Iker does not play pains me, he is a player you must respect a lot, has been with us 14 years, so many games. But when there are doubts, I try and choose the best, who we think is the best. There are often different opinions.
“Today I spoke with him for a moment. I do not have to apologise or explain anything, but I did not want to be too cold. He reacted normally, we’ve been together many years. I owe Iker many things, remember different finals, but that does not mean there are any guarantees. He is a professional, very relaxed, he understands.”
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