Football
Ian Holyman, France correspondent 7y

Julen Lopetegui: 'The doors are open' for Iker Casillas to make Spain return

Spain coach Julen Lopetegui has told L'Equipe the door remains open for Iker Casillas.

Casillas suggested his international career, in which he won two European Championships and one World Cup, was at an end following Spain's round-of-16 exit to Italy at Euro 2016 last summer.

Spain's most-capped player with 167 appearances for his country, Casillas has continued to produce top-level performances for Porto but Lopetegui has not ruled out recalling the former Real Madrid star.

"Of course. Iker is a legend who is still playing at the top level. He plays for a big team, Porto," Lopetegui, who met Casillas to discuss the player's international future in August, said.

"Yes, we spoke to him and at that moment we decided he wouldn't come. But the doors are open for him, just like for any other player."

Spain have Sevilla's Sergio Rico and Kepa Arrizabalaga of Athletic Bilbao as backup to Manchester United's David De Gea for Tuesday's friendly in France.

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