Newcastle United paid shock visit by World Cup & Champions League winner after ‘favourite’ claim

Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas made a shock visit to St James’ Park to watch Newcastle United’s 2-0 victory over Burnley on Saturday afternoon.

Casillas shared a photo on Instagram of him walking near Grey’s Monument with the caption “visit Newcastle”. The 42-year-old then uploaded an image from inside the stadium before goals from Miguel Almiron and Alexander Isak provided him with a winning visit.

The three-time Champions League winner previously revealed the Magpies were his favourite English club. His trip to Tyneside came courtesy of FUN88, who are now the club’s official Asian betting partner after being dropped as the main shirt sponsor in favour of Sela.

Casillas became an ambassador for the online betting company last year having hung up his boots in 2020.

“I’m excited to be representing FUN88 for this Autumn’s World Cup in Qatar. They have built a brand which directly aligns with my footballing history and sporting passions, underpinned by a desire to fuse fun with fairness and flair across wider sport. It’s a combination that’s vital to winning any game and also entertaining your audience.

“As a result, I look forward to bringing some top-class content and activity to Asian markets with my signature style and professionalism, allowing fans to find new and deeper ways in which to engage with and enjoy the sports they love. It was a penalty-kick decision to commit for me, so live your dream with FUN88!

“In short, I’m energised to be joining a new squad at FUN88 and very grateful for being given the chance to act as their ambassador and public face across an electric World Cup program.”

Casillas is ranked among the greatest-ever goalkeepers having also won the European Championship and World Cup with Spain, as well as countless trophies with Real Madrid.

He was even linked with a move to Newcastle in 2017 when Rafa Benitez was in charge but remained with Porto, where he ended his career three years later after suffering a heart attack during training with the Portuguese club.