Spanish Football - LaLiga

Rivalries put aside on Casillas' birthday: You're a friend and a great guy

Spain Former Blaugrana stars send warm wishes

Rivalries put aside on Casillas' birthday: You're a friend and a great guy

Puyol and Pique joke about Casillas' Instagram post

Iker Casillas turned 39 on Wednesday and the most touching wishes came from unlikely sources in the form of ex-Barcelona duo Carles Puyol and Cesc Fabregas.

Former Barcelona captain Puyol was the first to pay a touching tribute to his fellow World Cup-winning colleague.

"Happy birthday, my friend," Puyol began his Instagram message.

"We had great battles on the field and defending the colours that we carry in our hearts, nothing made me happier than defeating you in those duels. We had difficult moments with the national team but we also touched glory defending the same shirt.

"But out of all those years, for me, the most important thing is that we've built a friendship that goes beyond the field of play, you're a friend and a great guy.

"I wish you well, Iker. Enjoy your day," he wrote.

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Una vez que cumplí 8 años pensaba que Superman existía y que Spiderman iba lanzando telarañas por los rascacielos de Nueva York. Tenia tantas ganas de ir al colegio que no me importaban otros asuntos. Normal, tenía 8 años recién cumplidos. Con 8 años sigues disfrutando de Sus Majestades los Reyes Magos de Oriente aunque, ya estas en el límite. Casi casi. Hoy me toca cumplir 39 años. 31 años más que entonces. Se escribe fácil pero da mucho respeto! Mañama mi madre, como ya es tradicional, me tendrá que llamar a las 14:45 en punto. Las madres son así. Si os digo la verdad, parece que mi aniversario mudó de fecha desde hace más de un año. Por lo menos, sigue siendo mayo mi mes particular!! #muchasgraciasporlasfelicitaciones #buenasnochesmundo No quiero desmerecer a los hermanos Casas. Pic with my brother.

Una publicación compartida de Iker Casillas (@ikercasillas) el

Another former Barcelona star who played both against and alongside Casillas, Cesc Fabregas, then sent his wishes.

"The best goalkeeper that Spain has produced and without a doubt one of the greatest in history," Fabregas wrote.

"The one that made us believe that, yes, we could win.

"But above all, a guy with a noble heart and tremendous humility.

"And most importantly, a friend to his friends.

"Happy birthday, my friend," the Monaco player said.

"El mejor portero que ha dado Espana y sin duda uno de los mas grandes de la historia. El que nos hizo creer que SI se podia ganar, pero sobretodo, un chaval con un corazon noble y una humildad tremenda. Y lo mas importante, amigo de sus amigos. Feliz cumpleanos amigo", escribió Césc Fàbregas.