The Iker Casillas era in Real Madrid is over as the club announced Saturday that it has reached a deal on the transfer of the 34-year-old goalkeeper to FC Porto. Casillas leave the Spanish club after 25 years, a span that saw him win three Champions League titles and five Spanish League championships.

"For Real Madrid, to day is a day, above all, of thanks and recognition. One of the best goalkeepers in this club is not just leaving, today the greatest goalkeeper in the history of the club and in the history of Spanish football is moving on to a new stage in his footballing career," Real Madrid's released statement read.

"Our club is 113 years old and Casillas has worn our jersey for 25 of those years. During that time, he has become one of our finest leaders and has won the respect, affection, admiration and lobe of the fans beyond colours and affiliations."

The club's release also mentions Casillas' litany of achievements that include three European Cups, a World Club Cup, two Intercontinental Cups, two European Supercups, five Ligas, two Copas del Rey, and four Spanish Supercups with Real Madrid. He also won the World Cup and two European championships for Spain, and was awarded the best goalkeeper in the world five times.

"Thank you Iker, for everything you have done. Thank you for being a symbol of the best in our history. You are going but we will never forget that you'll always belong to the heart of Real Madrid," the club wrote.

As noted by BBC.com, Casillas joined Real's youth academy in 1990, and made his first team debut in 1999.

Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea, who has been linked with Real Madrid for months now, is expected to replace Casillas as Real Madrid and Spain's bumber one keeper.