Real Madrid star Federico Valverde has opened up on the impact that Manchester United midfielder Casemiro had on him when they played alongside one another.
Casemiro made a name for himself during his incredible spell at Real Madrid and the Manchester United star hoovered up the major silverware at Los Blancos.
During his time at the Santiago Bernabeu, Casemiro lifted three La Liga titles, five Champions League trophies and a Copa del Rey with Madrid.
The 32-year-old Brazilian defensive midfielder excelled at the Spanish club as part of a trident midfield alongside Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.
Casemiro made 336 appearances for Los Blancos before he left the La Liga outfit and completed his stunning move to Old Trafford in 2022.
Valverde on Casemiro at Madrid
Federico Valverde rose through the ranks of the Real Madrid youth academy and spent a loan spell out at Deportivo La Coruna during his time in the Spanish capital.
The 26-year-old Uruguay international has lifted three La Liga titles, two Champions Leagues and a Copa del Rey since his emergence into the Madrid first team.
Valverde, who has made 275 appearances for Los Blancos, revealed that he became “very close” with Casemiro when the Manchester United star played for Madrid.
“You arrive and see at the table that Marcelo, Casemiro, [Gareth] Bale, [Karim] Benzema, Sergio Ramos are sitting… Casemiro was the one who supported me,” he told Universo Valdano, as per Diario AS.
“He hugged me and said, ‘Sit here.’ Regarding the lockers, we were also very close in the locker room.
“Casemiro does not need to shout on the pitch to give an indication or correct someone.
“He was a close teammate, always with constructive criticism. What my wife gives me today [criticism], Casemiro gave me in the dressing room: ‘Fede, you have to train more.’”
Casemiro talks Ruben Amorim
Casemiro’s experience both on the pitch and off it will be invaluable for new United manager Ruben Amorim, who arrived at Old Trafford last week.
The Brazil international faced heavy criticism in the 2023-24 campaign over his run of form and consistency with his performances for United.
However, Casemiro has seen a turnaround in form in the current season and has superbly supported Manuel Ugarte in the heart of the United midfield.
Ruben Amorim agreed to leave Sporting CP and succeed Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford after the Dutchman was sacked by the Premier League club late last month.
Ruud van Nistelrooy was installed as interim manager after Erik ten Hag was axed from the club and the United legend led the Red Devils for four matches in charge.
Casemiro welcomed the arrival of Amorim as United manager and praised the reputation that the former Sporting CP boss has built for himself.
“We have not spoken but everyone speaks so well of him,” he said last week.
“Above all, he is very true, very loyal. We cannot ignore how he has changed Sporting. We know that Sporting won many titles, changed the club with titles, with trophies.
“He has already proved that he is a coach that has won a lot.
“I think there is going to be a good template that everyone wants to grow, everyone wants to learn. I think that is the way to first help us grow to be at the top of the table.”
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