Manchester United center-back Raphael Varane has revealed the reason why Casemiro quit Real Madrid to join him at Old Trafford. Varane made a similar switch last summer after United paid £36 million to acquire his services from the Los Blancos. Casemiro has now followed his teammate from Real this summer and sealed his move to Manchester in whopping deal worth £70 million.
The Red Devils faced constant rejection from their priority target Frenkie de Jong for a transfer despite agreeing a £71 million deal with Barcelona. They have now seemed to invest that money in Casemiro after it became clear that De Jong won’t sign for them. The move however raised eyebrows since the Brazilian was at the peak of his career at Real having won his fifth Champions League title with them last season.
Varane cites ‘similar process’ that he saw as the reason for Casemiro opting Man United move
Raphael Varane too made a surprise move to Manchester United last summer after spending a trophy-laden decade at Real Madrid. Moreover, he was touted as the successor of Sergio Ramos at Santiago Bernabeu who also left last summer for PSG as a free agent. It was Casemiro’s turn this summer as he reunited his former teammates from Real, Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo at United.
Despite enjoying a marvellous spell at Real alongside his partners Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, Casemiro opted for an exit out of the blue and joined the Red Devils. Talking about the 30-year-old’s startling decision, Varane while speaking to PA [via MARCA] said:
“Very excited, I know his quality very well. He can bring this balance on the team and his mentality. He’s a warrior, so I think he will really enjoy the English football. I know him. I think it was a perfect night for him to meet Old Trafford because the atmosphere was absolutely amazing, and he brings a victory so it’s nice.
“He doesn’t need my help to make his choice. I know exactly what he feels and why he’s coming here after what he lived in Madrid. He needs a new challenge. I know exactly why he chose this club. It’s a similar process that I had so obviously I wish him the best and I’m speaking with him a lot, but he didn’t need me to make his choice.”
Casemiro made a remarkable 336 appearances for the defending La Liga champions across his nine seasons. He helped them add a total of 18 titles to their cabinet which included a phenomenal five Champions League titles and three La Liga triumphs. The Brazilian will now embark on a whole new journey with Manchester United, who are struggling at the moment in the Premier League and will be competing in the Europa League this season.
While he was in the stands watching United thump Liverpool, Casemiro is expected to join Varane and Ronaldo in the starting line-up for their next game against Southampton. He has penned a lucrative four-year contract with the Red Devils which will see him pocket a salary of £350,000-per-week, with an option of extending it by another 12 months.