Carlo Ancelotti was moved to tears by Casemiro's departure from Real Madrid," says the Manchester United midfielder in an interview with the Spanish program El Chiringuito TV.
Casemiro's move from Real Madrid to Manchester United in the summer of 2022 marked a significant chapter in his football career, coming with a hefty transfer fee of approximately seventy million euros.
The transition, however, was not without its emotional upheavals, particularly highlighted by the events surrounding his departure from the Spanish giants.
According to Casemiro, the negotiations with Manchester United were complex, primarily due to Real Madrid's reluctance to let him go. Real’s president, Florentino Pérez, initially refused to discuss the possibility of Casemiro leaving, leading the Brazilian midfielder to navigate discussions through other channels within the club. This reluctance underscored the value and importance Real Madrid placed on Casemiro, who had been instrumental in the club's success over the years.
Adding to the emotional intensity of the situation was Real Madrid's head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, who himself made efforts to retain Casemiro. Known for his typically composed demeanor, Ancelotti's reaction to the finalized deal was deeply moving. Casemiro shared a poignant moment when he entered Ancelotti's office after everything had been agreed upon with Manchester United. The coach, overcome with emotion, began to cry and expressed his feelings directly to Casemiro, saying, "Case, I don't know. I want you to know that I love you. I didn't want you to leave." This admission brought a moment of doubt for Casemiro, highlighting the strong bonds formed during his time at Real Madrid.
Despite his move, Casemiro's connection to Real Madrid remains strong. His affection for the club was evident when he spoke about watching Real Madrid's recent Champions League quarterfinal victory over Manchester City. The match was bittersweet for him; while it was painful to see his former team play without him, he felt joy for their success and for his friends who are still part of the team. This emotional mix reflects Casemiro's deep ties to Real Madrid, even as he continues his career at Manchester United.
Casemiro’s journey underscores the complex and often emotional nature of football transfers, where business decisions intertwine with personal relationships and loyalties. His ongoing support for Real Madrid, combined with his commitment to his new role at Manchester United, illustrates the dual allegiances many players navigate in their careers.
