An emotional Iker Casillas said his final farewell to Real Madrid where he has served as first-team goalkeeper for 16 seasons.

The Los Blancos legend Casillas addressed fans and media at the Bernabéu stadium and choked up several times as he announced his departure in exchange for a career in Porto, The Guardian reported.

A part of the speech a tearful Casillas delivered read:

"First of all, good afternoon everyone, thank you for being here and accompanying me at such a special time. Today I have come to this stadium, this great stadium, to say goodbye to you all, particularly to the Real Madrid supporters.

As you all know, as of yesterday I am no longer a Real Madrid player and will now be joining Porto. The decision to join Porto boils down to two important reasons. Firstly, the excitement conveyed to me by the president, the director Antero and the manager Julen, who I have know for some time and, above all else, by the whole team.

Today I would also like to remember all the team-mates I have worked with during each of the seasons I have been here. Over the course of these years we have experienced unique moments together. These team-mates are like family to me and we have cried tears of joy and sadness together."

The whole transcript of the farewell speech can be found on Real Madrid's official website.

With the notable exit, soccer stars reacted to the farewell:

Daily Mail reported that Casillas was angry with the send-off Real Madrid has given the 16-year veteran. Casillas made 725 appearances for Real since making his debut for the senior team in 1999. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez quickly remedied the situation through a phone call, telling Casillas that a grand farewell will be held on Monday to honor Casillas' contributions and achievements with Real Madrid.

Casillas' exit marks the end of an era at Real Madrid, according to Marca.com. The goalkeeper has won everything with the football club since he debuted at the San Mamés stadium on 12th September 1999.

On his Instagram account, Casillas posted a heartfelt message to all his followers:

After 25 years of defending the crest of the greatest team in the world, the most difficult day in my sports career has arrived: I have to say goodbye to an institution that's given me everything. During all this time, we've suffered, laughed, cried and had a good time together. I’ve always felt loved and the club has been unfailingly there for me, in both the good times and the bad times. This club has not only taught me to be an athlete, it has pushed me to develop as a person. It has helped me to grow, instilling in me the values that its crest defends: respect, team spirit, commitment, humility... and I've tried to reflect those values wherever I've represented Real Madrid. Today I'd like to make a special mention to all my team-mates. Throughout all these years, we've experienced unique and unrepeatable times together, team-mates with whom I've formed a family and shared tears of both joy and sadness. I'm leaving some great friends, but I know that wherever I may be, I can always count on them, just like they can count on me. My coaches and their staff have been my teachers, the best in the world: I'd like to thank them all, for their advice, their understanding, their experience and their professionalism. I’ve learned so much from all of them. I'd also like to thank all the staff: They've always been ready to support me and solve any problem. And all my affection for my parents and all my family, who through their efforts and devotion helped me to embark on this journey. And above all, my wife and my son, because they will be by my side every day, sharing every second of this exciting period in my life. And these final words, I dedicate them especially to all of you, Real Madrid fans, who know no bounds. Thank you for your unconditional support, for allowing me to raise each cup, for each victory, for being your captain, for being there in the good times and the bad, for extending your hand to me and for lifting me up. Don’t remember me for being a good or bad goalkeeper... Remember me as a good person, with its defects. Thank you to so many for so much. I'll never forget you, and wherever I go, I'll continue to shout: Hala Madrid!!!!! A photo posted by Iker Casillas (@ikercasillasoficial) on Jul 12, 2015 at 4:32am PDT

Watch the speech (Spanish) here: