Manchester United’s new boy Casemiro broke down in tears as he bid farewell to Real Madrid after nine years at the club during a farewell press conference on Monday morning.
The Brazil international will now fly to Manchester to complete his £59.5million switch to the Red Devils and is expected to be paraded in front of the Old Trafford fans before kick-off in Monday night’s massive clash with Liverpool.
Casemiro first moved to the Bernabeu in 2013, becoming a mainstay in the side following an impressive season on loan at Porto, and helped Real win five Champions League titles.
While Carlo Ancelotti had been keen to keep the 30-year-old, Real are blessed with a plethora of excellent central midfielders and, given his service to the club, chose not to stand in Casemiro’s way when United made their approach.
The Brazilian was given a chance to say goodbye at a press conference at Real’s Valdebebas training complex, with president Florentino Perez, manager Ancelotti and many of his teammates all in attendance.
Casemiro shared an emotional embrace with his manager when he arrived and before he had even started speaking was wiping away tears with a tissue as he watched an incredible montage of his time playing for Real, with his wife also becoming very tearful.
Perez paid Casemiro a series of compliments in a heartfelt speech, describing the midfielder as one of Real’s ‘great leaders’ in their five Champions League wins and a ‘legend’ of the club.
When it came for the midfielder to speak he broke down in tears, barely able to get his words out, before reaching for another tissue and finally composing himself.
‘Good morning everyone. When I and my wife arrived here no one knew us. It was a new country and here we built our life and our family,’ began Casemiro.
‘I remember when I first received the Real Madrid call, I was so excited. When I left Brazil I knew I would have played at Castilla, I was very excited because I knew I would have learnt the values of this club.
‘I won a lot of titles but the biggest title is when I came here to train every day. I want to thanks everyone, my mother, my wife, this club, all the players and team-mates.
‘Luka Modric and Toni Kroos… I can’t forget them! We won a lot together. I’m sure one day I’ll come back. I want to give back all the love Real Madrid gave me.
‘I am excited to develop at a big club like Manchester United. President, thank you a lot. This club will have a great future with you. Hala Madrid!’
Ancelotti could be seen tearing up in the audience as Casemiro spoke, with the midfielder earning a massive round of applause and standing ovation when he was finished before posing for photos.
The Brazilian – who is almost doubling his wages at United – will be reunited with several familiar faces including international team-mate Fred and former Real pals Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Casemiro is expected to be handed the No.18 shirt at United – previously worn by Paul Scholes – and should be registered in time to make his debut against Southampton next Saturday even though a visa hold-up means he may not be able to train until Thursday.
United are still believed to be working on bringing in several more new faces before the transfer window deadline, with a fresh offer expected to be submitted for another Brazilian: Ajax winger Antony.
🤗 @Casemiro 🤝 @MrAncelotti 🤗#GraciasCasemiro pic.twitter.com/UPvJzKVfK6
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) August 22, 2022
