MADRID, July 17 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid have paid 6 million euros (around 7 million US dollars) to sign Espanyol goalkeeper, Kiko Casilla, it was confirmed by Espanyol President, Joan Collet on Friday.
Collet gave the news in which he also said Casilla had signed with Real Madrid for five years and was collecting his belongings before joining with the Real Madrid squad who are currently visiting Australia.
"The player spoke to us a few days ago and said it was a once in a lifetime chance for him and he asked us to reach an agreement," said Collet.
The words of the Espanyol president echo those of the club's first team coach, Sergio Gonzalez who said a few days ago that the chance to join Real Madrid was once Casilla could not refuse.
The former Real Madrid youth team player had a buyout clause of 20 million euros, with Espanyol and Real Madrid sharing his rights.
Casilla's arrival is important for Real Madrid who had only Keylor Navas as a first team goalkeeper following Iker Casillas' departure for Porto. The club will nevertheless continue in its efforts to sign David de Gea from Manchester United, although with three international goalkeepers in the squad, it would be interesting to see whether they will then listen to offers for Navas, who was second choice behind Casilllas last season.