Manchester United-bound midfielder Casemiro has received farewell letters from Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, his long-time midfield partners at Real Madrid.
The Brazil international won four Champions League finals while starting alongside the European pair in Madrid's midfield. The trio helped Los Blancos win three in a row between 2016 and 2018 before helping shut out Liverpool in Paris in the 2022 final.
That victory over the Reds will be Casemiro's last European title in Real Madrid colours, with the 30-year-old moving to Manchester United in a deal which could set the Premier League side back as much as £70m. Manager Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the move, revealing the former Sao Paulo man wanted a new challenge, and Kroos and Modric have both bid him farewell.
"With you, my dear Case, it was impossible not to break a sweat... in any situation," Kroos wrote in a message published by Marca. "Because you wouldn't let us relax even in the Turkish bath.
"Staying there was another torment: you told someone to go and you almost had exercise bikes and weights ready there. A notice for your new colleagues to know. Because with you, even the Turkish bath was a gym... and you only allow people to lie down when it's time to do sit-ups.
"I'm going to miss you. As an exemplary professional. Like a top player. As a fighter who saved me from several... But, above all, as a good person.
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"We've made history, man! What a legendary stage.," Kroos continued.
"Now our sports paths separate, but our friendship remains. I assure. I wish you the best, see you soon. Good luck. Your Toni."
Kroos joined Real Madrid from Bayern Munich in 2014, having helped the Bavarian club win the Champions League themselves 12 months prior. Casemiro spent Kroos' first season out on loan at Porto, but quickly established himself in the first team after returning to Spain.
The Brazilian had first arrived in January 2013, midway through Modric's first season at the Bernabeu. And the Croatia star referenced those early days when writing his message to his long-time colleague.
"Dear Case, I still remember your debut with our club... How nervous you were!" Modric wrote, also via Marca. "I asked you to be calm and now I think about it and see how it turned out. What you have achieved! It was also my first season and neither of us could imagine what football had in store for us.
"You have become a true leader. You have been for your teammates and for Real Madrid. We will always remember it.
"We have won a lot together, but I keep the moments that nobody sees. With the day-to-day work in Valdebebas. And especially with the jokes, because you have always been in a good mood, even in moments of tension or when there were failures.
"Those laughs with you gave me peace of mind. Just like looking back and seeing you, knowing there's going to be a lot of "Njega-Njega." You have been the best bodyguard in the world.
"I'm going to miss you, but I wish you the best. It is what a professional and a person like you deserve. Thanks for everything and good luck, friend!"
