Former German international goalkeeper, Oliver Kahn has praised Iker Casillas who, on Tuesday, announced his retirement from football at 39.

Casillas who made a name for himself as a goalkeeper at Real Madrid made the announcement on his official Twitter account.

"The important thing is the path you travel and the people who accompany you, not the destination to which it takes you.

"I think I can say, without hesitation, that it has been the path and the dream destination," he tweeted.

Casillas made 725 appearances for Real during a 16-year career at the Bernabeu, winning three Champions League titles and five La Liga crowns.

Reacting to the announcement, Kahn recalled the rivalry between them.

"One of the greatest leaves the stage", he tweeted.

"We had great fights, great rivalry but respect always came first.

"Fairplay and respectful behaviour are the most important virtues of sport. You always set an example, my friend! Servus, @IkerCasillas".

One of the greatest leaves the stage. We had great fights, great rivalry but respect always came first. Fairplay and a respectful behaviour are the most important virtues of sport. You always set an example, my friend! Servus, @IkerCasillas ???????? #Grac1as #WeiterImmerWeiter pic.twitter.com/gFtgWHpsiz

— Oliver Kahn (@OliverKahn) August 5, 2020