Casemiro bids emotional farewell to Real Madrid as he heads to Old Trafford


MADRID: Brazilian midfielder Casemiro wept on Monday as he bid an emotional farewell to Real Madrid after a trophy-laden nine-year spell with the LaLiga club.

“When I arrived here, my wife and I didn’t know anyone. We were alone and together we built the story of our lives here in this city,” the Manchester United-linked player said as tears streamed down his legs. play.

“I arrived in the reserve team and had to work my way up to the first team. I learned the values ​​of this club, while working in their academy, to be the purest part of football .

“I’ve won a lot here but I always thought the biggest honor was coming to work here every day,” added the 30-year-old, who has won three La Liga titles, a Copa del Rey and five Champions League titles among many others. other honors.

Casemiro especially thanked his teammates Luka Modric and Tony Kroos for their support.

An emotional Real Madrid president, Florentino Perez, has praised Casemiro for everything he has done at the club.

“You have been exemplary every day for all these years here. You have earned the right to decide your future and we have to respect that. You…leave the image of the champion that you are,” Perez said.

“You go to a friendly club, the mythical Manchester United, but wherever you are, you will always be an ambassador for Real Madrid.

“You will always be one of us. When you return one day, we will remember those times. Thank you, Case, this is and always will be your home.”

Real and United confirmed on Friday that they have reached an agreement for the transfer of Casemiro. British media say United have agreed a deal worth up to 70 million euros ($70.06 million).

“I want to take on new challenges, to know a different league, a different country, a different culture. There, I didn’t win anything, so I still have everything ahead of me. It was the most difficult decision of my life but I’m excited for what’s to come,” Casemiro added.

Casemiro is set to be revealed to United fans later on Monday when they host Liverpool at Old Trafford. United lost their first two games of the season.

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