Casemiro has been saying his goodbyes to Real Madrid at an official farewell ceremony in Spain.
The midfielder made over 300 senior appearances for Real Madrid after joining them from Sao Paolo in 2013. His 22 major trophies for club and country include five Champions Leagues with the Spanish giants.
While the transfer is still to be officially confirmed, Real have taken the opportunity to pay tribute to the midfielder’s contributions during his time in the capital.
“I’d like to thank you with all my heart,”the Brazilian began.
“When my wife and I arrived here, we didn’t know anyone, it was a new country for us. We wanted to build our life here and our future, and our family.
“I’ve won a lot of titles here but obviously without my mum, brothers, my wife and my beautiful children, it wouldn’t have been possible. Without the club as well, and everyone who is here today.
“I want to make it clear one day that I will come back here to show how special everyone is here to me and to help this club with anything.”
Casemiro also discussed his first memories of the club, learning its culture and playing alongside his team-mates, in particular fellow midfielders Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. He went on to explain that he is now looking forward to the next chapter.
“I’m excited to continue to develop my career in a great club like Man United.
“This club [Real Madrid] will always be great in the future. Thank you so much for everything. Hala Madrid.”
“You’re joining a legendary club in Manchester United to continue to make history,”he said.
“Wherever you are in the future, you will always be an example. Here, you have achieved so much, and you will always have the respect of the Madridistas.
“You are leaving the club as a Real Madrid legend.”
CASEMIRO’S PRESS CONFERENCE
A short time after the ceremony, the midfielder spoke to the media at an official press conference, to discuss his time at Real and the prospect of joining United.
“This change is my big challenge now; I spoke to my wife just three days ago and my wife said I look like an 18-year-old kid who is super excited about his new project, and I do feel so excited about playing in the Premier League,”
said Casemiro.
“If I could, I would play today for United against Liverpool. I’m really excited, it’s a club with great history, I will have to work hard to make a name for myself because there, I have won nothing yet.”
“At Manchester United, first of all, what I want is to transmit the way I feel about the club, my respect.
“Everything I did here [at Real Madrid], I want to do there too. I want to show my fighting spirit, capacity to work hard, professional attitude. I want to work hard every day to show how serious I am about them. I want to win the league there, I know it is an exciting league.
“I am going through one of the best moments of my career. I feel I’m really fit, mentally I feel great, and I want to continue to enjoy my day to day and hopefully I can do that there. I feel like it’s a great moment to take this decision.”