An emotional Casemiro burst into tears as he said his goodbyes to Real Madrid ahead of his transfer to Manchester United.
Casemiro’s move to Old Trafford was confirmed on Friday evening as United paid an initial fee of £60million plus a further £10m in potential add-ons. United had made a deal for the Madrid star their prime focus and the midfielder has penned a four-year deal at Old Trafford with the option of a fifth season.
The Brazilian international has become the fourth signing of the summer at United under new boss Erik ten Hag and they are hopeful the signing of the Brazilian will spark a late influx of arrivals. Defenders Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia joined from Ajax and Feyenoord respectively, while Christian Eriksen arrived as a free agent after his Brentford contract expired.
Madrid afforded Casemiro a special farewell press conference on Monday ahead of his switch to the Premier League, with his friends and family in attendance. The holding midfielder won 18 trophies at the club across eight remarkable seasons, including five Champions League trophies and three La Liga titles.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez told the player and the assembled crowd: "Casemiro is one of our most special and important players in the last decade, I will never forget your performance against Dortmund. You've become one of our most important players, today is a very special day for Real Madrid."
Perez added: "I'm very proud of you Case, you're joining a legendary club, Man United - keep making history." An emotional Casemiro, who was tearful throughout, then added: "As you know, I don't like the spotlight or having prominence, I will try to talk with my heart.
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"The greatest title I have had has been to live every day at this great club, Real Madrid! I'd like to thank the club for making me a better player and a better person. Playing with Modric and Kroos, I really enjoyed football. I want to make it clear that one day I would return to Real Madrid and show you how much I love this club. I want to help the club in any way I can in the future.
"Florentino, thanks to you this club will continue to win titles." On why he has made the decision to join the Red Devils, he explained: "I am excited to develop at a big club like Manchester United."
United are hopeful of at least two more additions in the closing weeks of the summer transfer window. A £67million offer has been lodged for Ajax forward Antony, although this has been knocked back by the Dutch giants. PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo is an attacking alternative.
The club are also hopeful of signing a new goalkeeper to provide competition to the out-of-form David De Gea while they are also hopeful of adding a new right-back, although that is tied into the future of Aaron Wan-Bissaka – who may complete a return to Crystal Palace this summer.
