Casemiro reveals why he is joining Man Utd from Real Madrid
By Tom Gott
Casemiro has said that he's joining the biggest club in England as he prepares to join Manchester United from Real Madrid.
The Brazilian has agreed to swap Real for Manchester United in a deal worth up to £70m, with manager Carlo Ancelotti previously touching on Casemiro's desire to experience a new challenge this season.
Speaking at his farewell press conference, Casemiro confessed that he came to the decision to leave Real Madrid in the aftermath of last season's Champions League final, and touched on his reasons for wanting to join United.
"When you make such an important decision, it's difficult. After the Champions League final I spoke with my agent and told him that I had the feeling that my cycle was ending," the midfielder revealed. "I'm honest with everyone, I thought about it.
"He told me to go on vacation and I had a calmer head. When I came back the feeling was the same. But it's that of being the happiest in the world, it's duty accomplished. The mission is done.
"My cycle was over. I wanted to live a new challenge, try a different league and a different culture. I haven't won anything [in England]. I want to help there as I helped here. I'm going full of hope.
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"I love the Premier League. I wanted to play in it and I wanted to play there. The change was necessary. You can be stressed with the season and then on vacation, when you keep thinking about it... I had to be honest with myself."
Asked whether his decision to join United was down to the bumper contract handed to him, Casemiro responded: "It's only a few people who think that, but people are wrong if they believe that and they don't know me. That's the last thing they should think.
"I am joining the biggest club in England."
Casemiro also confessed that he is relishing the chance to link up with former Real teammate Cristiano Ronaldo once again.
"I can't wait to play with Cristiano again," he admitted. "I hope Cristiano stays, I want to play with him again. He's incredible."