During his final press conference for Real Madrid after nine years with the team on August 22, Casemiro, who has just been signed by Manchester United, sobbed bittersweetly.
After a standout season on loan at Porto, Casemiro first arrived at the Bernabeu in 2013. He quickly established himself as a regular in the team and contributed to Real winning five Champions League championships.
While Carlo Ancelotti was keen to keep the 30-year-old, , the club chose not stand in Casemiro’s way when United made their approach, given his service to the club.
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 team-mates all in attendance.
Casemiro shared an emotional embrace with Ancelotti 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.
As he started to speak, Casemiro broke down in tears, barely able to get his words out, before reaching for another tissue and finally composing himself.
‘Good morning everyone. When me 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 thank 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!’
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.
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