Xavi Hits out at Real Madrid over Unceremonious Casillas Exit

Former Barcelona midfielder Xavi has slammed Real Madrid for the manner in which they have dealt with Iker Casillas' exit from the club.

The goalkeeper has left the Bernabeu after 16 seasons with the club, in which he won 19 trophies including five La Liga and three Champions League titles.

However, Casillas was given an unceremoniously low-key farewell, appearing alone in the Bernabeu press room to give a tear-laden farewell.

This was followed by a newspaper interview with Casillas' parents, who claimed Real Madrid president Florentino Perez had forced her son out of the club, according to Eurosport.

This was in stark contrast to the dramatic send-off Barcelona paid to Xavi, when he left at the end of the season after 17 seasons with the Catalan club.

"

When Gerrard & Xavi left their clubs... Casillas? A press conference & unfollowed on Twitter by Real Madrid. Classy pic.twitter.com/AguylDXAvn

— BreatheSport (@BreatheSport) July 12, 2015"

Xavi told Spanish daily La Vanguardia, translated by Eurosport:

"

It leaves a bad taste what is happening with him now. 

In recent years, I have seen that he is not enjoying himself like before. 

He even seems bitter and I think everyone in this country (Spain) should think about this.

It cannot be that maturing Spanish athletes are not shown sufficient respect, that people neglect to value everything they have done for their sport and instead focus on their defects, sometimes with malicious intent.

"

Casillas has joined FC Porto on a two-year deal.

[h/t Eurosport]