Subscribe Logo
Outlook Logo
Outlook Logo

Sports

Manchester United Unveil Casemiro Before Liverpool Tie After Brazil International Leaves Real Madrid

The 30-year-old Casemiro signed for Manchester United until 2026 with an option of extending it to another year. Casemiro won five UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid.

Manchester United's new recruit Casemiro applauds fans prior to their game against Liverpool in EPL.
info_icon

Manchester United completed the signing of Casemiro for a reported $60 million, hours after the Brazil international made an emotional departure from Real Madrid after nine years at the Spanish La Liga club. (More Football News)

The 30-year-old Casemiro has signed a contract until 2026, with the option of a further year. He was presented to Manchester United's fans on the field at Old Trafford ahead of the Premier League game against Liverpool.

“I'm ending one beautiful journey in Madrid whilst starting another in Manchester," Casemiro said in a United statement, “as determined as ever to win football matches, win trophies and make our fans proud by bringing success to this great club.”

Manchester United has been looking to sign a defensive midfielder during this transfer window and has been closely linked with Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong. Casemiro is older than De Jong but has the experience of winning five Champions League titles and playing 63 times for Brazil.

“Casemiro is a serial winner and one of the best midfielders in world football; his exceptional record speaks for itself," said John Murtough, United's football director. “He complements the skillsets of the squad and will be a great addition to the dressing room with his experience, knowledge and character.”

Earlier Monday, Casemiro held a news conference in Madrid, saying it was “the hardest decision of my life” to leave the team he joined in 2013 from S?o Paulo. It was an emotional farewell for Casemiro, who felt his cycle with the Spanish club ended after the team won the Champions League last season.

“It's always hard to make such an important decision in your life, it's always difficult, but when the Champions League final ended, I spoke with my agent and told him that I had the feeling that my cycle here had ended,” he said.

Casemiro couldn't hold back tears at times. “What I have won here is not going to change, but there in Manchester I haven't won anything and I'm to try to help the club as I did here,” Casemiro said. “I'm going with all the motivation in the world.”

Casemiro said his move to Manchester United, where he joins former Real Madrid teammates Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane, was not motivated by money. “Those who think that don't know me,” he said.

“If money was the issue, I would have left four or five years ago. This club has always been very good to me. I really like the Premier League and wanted to play there.”