Casemiro sobbed during an emotional farewell news conference at Real Madrid before finalizing his transfer to Manchester United last week.
Casemiro fell into tears as he said his final goodbyes to Real Madrid before joining Manchester United.
Casemiro’s transfer to Manchester United was finalised on Friday evening, with United paying an initial cost of £60 million plus a further £10 million in future add-ons. United made signing the Madrid star their top priority, and the midfielder has agreed to a four-year contract extension with the possibility of a fifth season.
The Brazilian international is United’s fourth signing of the summer under new manager Erik ten Hag, and the club is hoping that his presence will spark a late flood of players. Defenders Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia joined from Ajax and Feyenoord, respectively, and Christian Eriksen joined as a free agent after his contract with Brentford expired.
Casemiro was given a special farewell press conference by Real Madrid on Monday, ahead of his move to the Premier League, with his friends and family in attendance. During his eight seasons with the club, the holding midfielder won 18 trophies, including five Champions League trophies and three La Liga titles.
Florentino Perez, president of Real Madrid, told the player and the packed crowd: “Casemiro, you have been one of our most special and significant players over the last decade, and I will never forget your performance against Dortmund. You’ve evolved into one of our most important players, and tonight is a historic occasion for Real Madrid.”
“I’m really pleased of you Case, you’re joining a renowned club, Man United – keep making history,” Perez added. Casemiro, who was upset throughout, then added: “Because I dislike being in the spotlight or having prominence, I will try to speak from the heart.
“The best title I’ve ever had was living every day at this fantastic club, Real Madrid! I’d like to thank the club for helping me become a better player and person. I had a great time playing football with Modric and Kroos. I want to be clear that I would love to return to Real Madrid and show you how much I like this club. In the future, I hope to assist the club in any manner I can.
“Florentino, this club will continue to win titles because of you.” “I am thrilled to develop at a big club like Manchester United,” he said of his decision to join the Red Devils.
United is hoping to recruit at least two more players in the final weeks of the summer transfer window. A £67 million bid for Ajax attacker Antony has been turned down by the Dutch giants. Cody Gakpo of PSV Eindhoven is an attacking option.
The club is also hoping to acquire a new goalkeeper to compete with the out-of-form David De Gea, as well as a new right-back, but that is dependent on the future of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who may return to Crystal Palace this summer.
