‘Big club’ - Casemiro explains why he left Real Madrid for Man Utd after Champions League success

Casemiro has opened up on why he left Real Madrid for Manchester United ahead of last season.

The holding midfielder was a huge success at the Santiago Bernabeu, winning all there is to win ahead of joining United on a big money deal last summer. The Brazilian quickly slotted in to Erik ten Hag’s midfield at Old Trafford, becoming a key player in last season’s efforts, which saw the Red Devils secure a return to the Champions League.

Casemiro’s decision to leave Real Madrid came as a surprise, given he had established himself as a club legend at the Bernabeu.

But in an interview with Placar TV, Casemiro has explained why it was time to move on to join United.

"I had several motives,” said the midfielder. “I had several motives that one ends up weighing in the balance and ends up compensating. Speaking of reasons... of course, I spoke to my family. It is important to talk to my family. They accepted that everything was going to be fine. My wife, my family, my children... of course their happiness is important too".

Casemiro added: “There is a time to leave the club, to leave a big club. There are ages when you have that will, that strength to move. I would also say that if it had been two years ago, I wouldn't have left. If it had been two or three years ago, I wouldn't have left Real Madrid to go to another big club in Europe. There is an ambition to want to play in another league".

While he had his disciplinary issues last season, Casemiro enjoyed an impressive first season at Old Trafford, and he, of course, goes into next campaign as a guaranteed starter on the back of his performances last season, and indeed throughout his successful career so far.