World Cup 2010: Spain Captain Iker Casillas Labels Victor Valdes Inclusion 'A Wise Decision'

Real Madrid goalkeeper and Spain captain Iker Casillas has declared that the inclusion of Barcelona custodian Victor Valdes in the World Cup squad is "a wise decision".

Casillas, who turned 29 on Thursday, has been undisputed first choice for Spain since 2002 but insisted that his past achievements in his 102 game international career matter little and he must fight like anyone else to achieve his place in the first team. He also noted that the two 'keepers who missed out on the final 23, Diego Lopez and David De Gea, were good enough to have gone to South Africa.

"It's a very wise decision. The five who were in the provisional squad could have gone but the coach has decided on these three. [Vicente] Del Bosque evaluates, selects, who he sees and thinks is best and now we all fight honestly for a place in the team," he is quoted as saying by AS.

"I also have to earn the respect and a place from Monday, when the preparation starts. You cannot rely on great things achieved in the past to be a first team starter. I know I have to keep winning my place.

"It is clear that I am not going to rely on all the caps I have won. Here we all start from zero and Victor Valdes has won his place in the squad for all that he has done with his club."

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