Watch: Man Utd target Casemiro leaves Madrid training for final time
Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro has been filmed leaving their training ground ahead of his impending move to Manchester United.
Casemiro joined Madrid from Sao Paulo back in 2013 and has since developed into one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, making 336 appearances in all competitions for Los Blancos.
He’s helped the club win three La Liga titles, five Champions Leagues, a Copa del Rey, three UEFA Super Cups and three FIFA Club World Cups.
But the Brazil international reportedly felt aggrieved by the £85.3million arrival of Aurelien Tchouameni from Monaco earlier this summer.
United have now agreed to pay Madrid initial an £50.7million plus £8.5million in add-ons to secure his signature. He would become one of United’s top earners if he completes the move and would sign a four-year contract with the option of an additional year.
“Casemiro wants to try a new challenge, and I and the club understand that,” Carlo Ancelotti said in a press conference ahead of Madrid’s game against Celta Vigo. “After all he’s done for this club, we need to respect his decision.”
The Madrid boss continued: “Casemiro is leaving but we have a lot of resources to replace him. There is no turning back, Casemiro has decided to try a new challenge. We want to wish him the very best.
“Just yesterday I realized that Casemiro is leaving, but our plans don’t change – we’ll compete for everything with or without Casemiro.
“I think Casemiro has been a key player for us, he was important to Kroos and Modric – the combination was key to success. Casemiro’s team-mates understand his decision, they respect it – it was his will to try a new challenge and we have to accept it.
“I can’t reply to why Casemiro traded European Champions for a struggling side, it’s his personal decision.”
READ: Comparing Casemiro’s stats to Manchester United’s current midfielders
Casemiro trained with his Real Madrid team-mates for the first 15 minutes of Friday morning’s training session before saying his goodbyes. He then received a police escort as he left Madrid’s Valdebebas training ground through the back door.
According to a report from Marca, the midfielder is set to fly to Manchester tomorrow ahead of a medical and has already started looking for a new house.
But he won’t make his debut against Liverpool as Premier League rules state that players have to be registered by midday on Friday if they want to play at the weekend.
✅ Casemiro has left Valdebebas. [@elchiringuitotv]
pic.twitter.com/4ht390dEQR— UtdPlug (@UtdPlug) August 19, 2022
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