Casemiro: “I realized that my time at Real Madrid was ending after the Champions League final”

With Casemiro officially moving to Manchester United last weekend, the Brazilian had his official farewell to Valdebebas on Monday. In front of all the titles he won during his Real Madrid career, Casemiro was thanked by president Florentino Perez and then the midfielder gave a moving speech of his own.

Overcoming tears, Casemiro said, “You know, I don’t like being the center of attention. You will surely understand that I speak from my heart today. When I arrived here, I didn’t know anyone in what was a new country. But we built a life here. The titles that I won it was achieved with the help of my family, club, president, Jose Angel Sanchez, Ramon Martinez, coaches and my teammates. Of all my teammates, I cannot highlight Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. With them, I enjoyed football a lot. Thanks also to the fans for those special nights. I I’m sure everything I’ve learned here will help me continue my career at another great club, at Manchester United. Thank you again. Hala Madrid!”

Casemiro on his decision to leave Real Madrid

After his speech, Casemiro participated in a press conference with the media and discussed a number of aspects of his transfer in more detail. This included an explanation of why he had decided to leave, and the fact that this wasn’t something that had happened just last week. The player also said: “After the Champions League final, I spoke with my agent and we had a feeling that my time here was about to end. My agent told me to go on vacation and relax, then we spoke again a month later and I still have a feeling that my period here is about to end. When the news came out, the transfer went quickly, but we had already had these conversations. It was very difficult to talk about this with the boss, but I believe that honesty is one of my great values. I have always been honest in these conversations.”

Casemiro about the finances of the transfer

Casemiro was told there was a theory that he was only moving for money, but he rejected this suggestion. He said: Whoever thinks that does not know me. I’m not like this. If it was for the money, I would have left four or five years ago. The club has always done well with me. It was my decision. I just had the feeling that my period here was over. That was obvious to me.”

Casemiro talks about his legacy at Real Madrid

Reflecting on all he has achieved at the club, he said: “I feel very happy for all that I have achieved here. When I left Sao Paulo in January 2013, I told myself that I had to do my best for this club, in matches and in training. I tried to do it. I have always slept well because I know I did my best.”

Casemiro talks about Toni Kroos’ message

He also revealed during the press conference that Toni Kroos texted him in the middle of the night about the rumours. He explained, “Tony texted me at 4 am asking if I was actually leaving. I think it was because he wasn’t feeling well and couldn’t sleep. So, I told him to at least let me sleep! He and Modric are friends with me and they are two great people.” It’s easy to play with the two of them, because I don’t have much to do when I’m lining up for them.”

Casemiro during his time in Castilla

The player has always maintained that he feels like a Real Madrid academy graduate because of his time with Team B and he spoke about it in his farewell saying: “I started at Castilla and that was very important for me because I learned the values ​​of the academy and it is the most important thing about this club for me. The academy is The future of the club. I won many titles, but the most important honor was to come here to train at Valdebebas every day.”

Casemiro on Tchouaméni and Camavinga

The midfielder was asked about Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga and whether he thought they would be willing to replace him. He replied: “I think Real Madrid always sign the best players. Don’t forget Fede Valverde too, as I think he’s been a player for 10 or 12 years. In addition, Modric and Kroos will go on for a while. As for the others, Camavinga showed us last year that he can To be a great player for Real Madrid. I am sure that Chuamini will have a lot of people to help him. He is a key player in France, which is impressive. So, I think Real Madrid have good players in the future. This club will always continue to win.”

Casemiro in the English Premier League

Looking to the future, he talked about the challenges ahead for Manchester United. He told the assembled media: “The Premier League is a competition I’ve always loved and always wanted to play in. What I’m looking for is to have a new challenge, a new league and a new culture. It’s true they’re not in the Champions League now, but I’m excited. I haven’t spoken to Cristiano Ronaldo yet, But I’m excited to play with him again. I’m very keen to start with the biggest club in England. If it were up to me, I would already play with them tonight against Liverpool. But I know I haven’t won anything there yet.”

Casemiro on the World Cup

With the World Cup approaching, he was asked if the move would affect his preparations and if he had spoken to Tite yet. He said, “I haven’t spoken to him, no need. Everyone in the Brazilian national team knows me and knows the player I am now. I will continue to work and think of Manchester United first and foremost, even though the World Cup is also on the horizon.”