Casemiro reveals why he is leaving Real Madrid for Manchester United

When Casemiro joined Real Madrid from Sao Paulo in 2013, it was a very different time for Los Blancos. The club continued to chase La Decima, and had not won the UEFA Champions League in more than a decade, despite having some huge names in their team during that period of time. Not many could have imagined though that the little-known Brazilian defensive midfielder would go on to become the catalyst of so many magical nights in Europe.

Casemiro ended up winning five Champions League titles for Real Madrid, a legendary run to say the very least. In fact, it was his introduction that helped galvanise the team and helped them to European glory on a consistent basis.

Now, Casemiro is leaving for Manchester United, in a move that nobody could have seen coming. Yet, it looks like a Real Madrid exit might have been in the Brazilian’s plans for much longer than expected, as far back as the club’s Champions League final win over Liverpool last season.

As reported by BBC, Casemiro said:

"“I spoke to my agent after the Champions League final as I had the feeling that I was coming to the end of my cycle here.“It was the hardest decision of my life but I’m excited about what’s ahead of me. I want to face new challenges, know a different league, a different country and a different culture.“I’m going to the biggest team in the world, that can compete with the greatness of Real Madrid, although now it doesn’t.”"

Casemiro makes surprising claim about Real Madrid exit to join Manchester United

It will be interesting to see if Casemiro can help Manchester United back to their glory days, like he did at Real Madrid.

The Red Devils have been a shadow of their former selves since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson as manager. The club have signed one great player after the other, but nothing has worked till now, as they have struggled in the Premier League, as well as Europe.

On the other hand, it will be a challenge for Real Madrid as well, to adjust without Casemiro. But they are well positioned to do so, with the old guard in Luka Modric and Toni Kroos complimented by exciting young talents like Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde.