Midfielder Casemiro revealed behind-the-scenes details of his departure from Real Madrid to Manchester United. The player was one of the great idols of the Merengue team.
Casemiro wore the Real shirt for nine seasons. In August 2022, he agreed to transfer to the Red Devils. The midfielder revealed that coach Carlo Ancelotti was moved by the Brazilian’s departure from the Spanish club.
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“I only had doubts about going to United on one occasion. I remember it was a Friday afternoon. The transfer (to Manchester) was all set, my signature was the only thing missing. Everyone knew everything was settled,” said Casemiro in an interview with the Spanish TV program “El Chiringuito de Jugones” on the Mega channel.
“So, I went to talk to Ancelotti. I walked into his office and he already knew everything. I opened the door and when I looked at him, Ancelotti was crying. I said, ‘Please don’t cry… Anyone else, but not you,'” Casemiro revealed.
The midfielder admitted that he “was shaken” to see the Real Madrid coach’s tears
“He replied to me, ‘Case, I don’t know why I’m crying, but I really like you and I don’t want you to leave.’ That was the only moment when I doubted (the transfer to United),” Casemiro recounted.
“That’s when I realized how many people liked me there (at Real Madrid). But I had already given my word (to United), and my word is what matters most to me,” the Brazilian continued.
Regret?
Manchester United has experienced a period of instability in recent years. At Real Madrid, Casemiro had an extremely successful career. Still, the player insists that he did not regret the change.
“I had already won everything (at Real Madrid). I needed a new experience. It wasn’t easy to make the decision to leave, but I was clear in my head that I wanted something new, like learning a new language, competing in a new league,” he argued.
“I was still at an age where I could continue to compete and grow at a different club. Since I arrived here, everyone at United has treated me very well,” Casemiro concluded.
Zagallo documentary
Sambafoot Series has launched a new documentary about the football legend Zagallo. Known as ‘Velho Lobo’ and as superstitious as it gets, Zagallo helped shape what Brazilian football is nowadays – as a player and as a coach. The first and second episodes is available in Sambafoot’s Youtube channel and the series will receive weekly releases to tell this legend’s life story.
