Manchester United paraded Casemiro around Old Trafford before Monday night’s game against Liverpool, ahead of his £70 million move from LaLiga champions Real Madrid.
The Brazilian is due to sign a four-year contract with United, with an option for a further year, on a weekly salary of £375,000, and he was unveiled at Old Trafford before approaching Roy Keane to embrace the legendary former skipper. Erik ten Hag’s team earlier stated on Friday that they had reached a deal with Los Blancos for the five-time Champions League winner, and the player said an emotional farewell to Madridistas in a news conference on Monday.
Despite having to hold back his tears during his goodbye press conference on Monday, the Brazilian was able to look forward to his future, adding, ‘I am thrilled to develop at a big club like Manchester United.’ ‘I’m confident I’ll return one day.’ I wish to repay all of their kindness.’
And United aired a video on their website greeting the player, who said: ‘The opportunity to begin a new challenge at Manchester United and in the Premier League is really exciting.’
‘I’ve worked with a lot of excellent managers throughout my career, and after meeting with Erik and hearing his ideas, I can’t wait to work closely with him, his team, and my new teammates in the coming years.’ ‘I’m finishing one lovely adventure in Madrid and beginning another in Manchester, committed as ever to win football matches, trophies, and make our fans proud by bringing success to this great club.’
‘Everyone is aware of Manchester United’s history, the club’s global significance, and what it means to its followers. It is a privilege to represent United, and I am willing to go above and beyond to assist the team achieve its goals.’ ‘When I left Sao Paulo, it was apparent to me that I would play in Real Madrid’s first team,’ he said of his old club. I created my life and my family here.
‘The best title I have attained is going to train at this club every morning.’ As you know, I dislike being in the spotlight, so I’ll attempt to talk from the heart. ‘I can’t talk about teammates without mentioning Modric and Kroos.’ We’ve won a lot and had a lot of fun playing together.’ After spending the summer pursuing one LaLiga star midfielder, Frenkie de Jong, United has now turned to the Blaugrana’s arch-rival to gain the services of another, Casemiro. And the Brazilian adds a lot of experience, know-how, and, perhaps most importantly, a winning attitude to the Red Devils camp.
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The 30-year-old midfielder earned 18 trophies in the Spanish capital after 336 appearances and 31 goals with Los Blancos, including five Champions Leagues, three Club World Cups, and three LaLiga crowns. United’s high-profile disastrous start to the 2022-23 season has properly put every player under the microscope, but after seasons of criticism directed at Scott McTominay and Fred, the acquisition of a world-class holding midfielder might signal a turnaround at Old Trafford.
Along with former Real Madrid teammates Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo, the 30-year-old will also hook up with his national team counterpart in the center of the park, Fred, whom fans will be hoping he can bring out the best in. Varane, Casemiro’s former and future teammate, turned to social media to greet the ‘fighter’ midfielder. ‘Many fights fought together with my warrior Case!’ wrote Varane. Welcome to Manchester, amigo @casemiro,’ he said, adding a sword emoji.
There was no problem at Real, and manager Carlo Ancelotti was desperate to maintain his midfield anchor, but the club made it plain that they would not stand in the way of the player if he felt a move was best for him. The promise of a long-term deal just six months before his 31st birthday, though, is thought to have been the most important influence in the Brazilian’s choice to join Ten Hag’s team.
Real have been reluctant to grant long-term contracts to aging stars in the past, which resulted in the departures of legends Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos, and even Croatia great Luka Modric is only on a year-to-year contract renewal basis despite his years of service. And the Brazilian has undoubtedly already won over United fans by openly requesting that Ronaldo, with whom Casemiro won four Champions League titles, stay at Old Trafford.
‘I haven’t spoken to Cristiano, but I hope he stays since he’s one of the finest players ever,’ Casemiro continued. ‘I want to accomplish everything I did here there.’ There, I want to win the league. ‘I am in one of the best periods of my career. I feel incredibly physically, psychologically strong, and that now is a fantastic time to make this decision.’
