Real Madrid

Iker Casillas started his solidarity holidays visiting Bamako, Mali, where he will get first-hand knowledge of the work undertaken by PLAN. He is an ambassador for a campaign to ease children's poverty.

"It's been quite a hard day. We've been filming a commercial spot for the PLAN campaign with children and we've also attended several meetings with the community elders. I've also had the chance to meet Bourama, a kid I've sponsored. It's been an emotional moment. It's remarkable that in this place my name is associated with Real Madrid even though few knew what my face looked like."
 
"Life is difficult here. We are used to big things, but the truth is there's nothing here. A keyring, a pin or a balloon are very much treasured; you can bring a lot of happiness with very little. They have given me a goat, which is of much value over here. I've named it Diarra because he is someone who helps many of his countrymen. I would like people to realise the problem because poverty here is extreme. Many people live in very bad conditions. All the help we can offer is never enough, but what surprises me most is that no one complains."

"We've heard about Cristiano Ronaldo's presentation. It's normal that so many people attended because he is a great player and the fans need excitement and to have a competitive team. The expectation shows this has been achieved."