Porto president Pinto da Costa has lamented the club’s signing of Iker Casillas from Real Madrid as “a complete fiasco”.

The Portugese club’s chief has described Casillas’ stay at the Estadio do Dragao as one huge, expensive mistake and laid blame for their awful season at the feet of the Spain No 1 goalkeeper.

Quoted on Portuguese news website El Confidiencial, Da Costa said: “Iker has not lived up to any of the expectations we had, what’s more he has cost us games, the league and a premature exit from the Champions League.

“His salary is unaffordable for the club. If he goes to the US, because they have told me that New York City wants him, it will be the best transfer we have done”.

Casillas made an emotional switch last summer after spending his entire career at the Bernabeu at youth and senior level, with over 500 La Liga appearances and 165 caps for Spain.

Da Costa said they were happy for Casillas to continue with the club after they sacked Julen Lopetegui in January following a three-game winless run and exit from the Champions League group stage.

But Da Costa said: “The signing of Casillas has been a complete fiasco.

“Casillas was offered by his agent, who conveyed to us that he wanted to continue playing at the highest level and come to Porto as their No 1 choice if we would be interested.

“For our part, we did not feel the slightest discomfort due to the departure of the coach, because he is for Porto, and not Lopetegui, and happily continues, and so do we.

“Iker also gave worldwide exposure to Porto and is one of the best human beings that has passed through the club. You will not find anyone more willing to work with everyone.”