Casemiro‘s transfer to Manchester United is officially complete. Six days after the agreement with Real Madrid was struck, the club have revealed his first interview as a Red Devils player.
The Brazilian spoke particularly highly of three players he knows already, Fred, Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Casemiro won Champions League titles alongside the latter two, and is hoping to win the World Cup with Fred later this year.
He is now eligible to train with his Manchester United teammates with a view to selection against Southampton this weekend.
READ MORE: Confirmed Manchester United transfers, ins, outs, loans, releases for 2022/23
Casemiro praises three Manchester United players
Casemiro began with effusive praise of Brazil teammate Fred. He was eager to talk up his international teammates’ qualities.
He said: “Fred has a lot of qualities. I think he’s a player that has good movement. He’s very mobile, passes the ball well, he has a good shot on him, he can play with both feet, left or right, he can pass the ball well with either foot.
“He’s a great player. Again, that’s why he plays for the Brazil and he’s a very important player at this club and I think he’ll help me a great deal as he’s Brazilian.”
He also talked up his two former Real Madrid teammates, even though there are doubts over whether Cristiano Ronaldo will still be a Manchester United player by the end of the transfer window.
Casemiro said: “We could spend all day talking about Cristiano. He’s one of the best players in the history of football.”
He added: “I’ve spoken to Rafa. He tells me he’s happy. His family is very happy here in Manchester and I feel Manchester United have a great centre-back in him and, as we know, Cristiano is up there as one of the best players in the history of football and I think he’ll keep achieving things.”
If Ronaldo were to stay, then the prospect of playing alongside Casemiro again should make him happier. The midfielder is one of the best players in the world in his position and he will give Manchester United qualities which the team have been sorely lacking.
He was presented in front of fans at Old Trafford on Monday ahead of the club’s 2-1 win over Liverpool, getting an ideal taster of what could lie ahead under new manager Erik ten Hag.
- CASEMIRO: Factfile
- Real Madrid signed Casemiro from Sao Paulo for £5 million in 2013, after an initial loan to their B side.
- He has gone onto form one of football’s best midfield trios with Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.
- Casemiro has won a staggering five Champions League trophies and three La Liga titles.
- He is an international teammate of Fred for Brazil; the pair have 11 clean sheets from 15 starts together.
- Casemiro has more than 330 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 31 goals.
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