Casemiro has said Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti cried in front of him after learning of his decision to join Manchester United in August 2022.
The Brazil midfielder enjoyed a successful nine-year spell at the Bernabéu before leaving for United on an initial £60 million ($74.6m) transfer.
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“I haven’t told this to anyone before,” Casemiro told El Chiringuito de Jugones. “I only doubted my move to Manchester once. I remember it was a Friday afternoon and it [the transfer to United] was all but done except for my signature. People knew that it was done.
“I went to speak with Ancelotti. I went into his office and he already knew. I opened the door and when I turned [towards him], Ancelotti was crying. I told him: ‘You can’t be crying. Anyone but you.”
“He told me: ‘Case, I don’t know why I’m crying, but I’m very fond of you and I don’t want you to leave.’ That was the moment [I doubted]… I realised how many people loved me there. But I had already given my word, and my word is more important than anything else.”
Casemiro left Madrid having won three LaLiga titles, five Champions Leagues and a Copa del Rey among other trophies.
The midfielder, 32, said he has no regrets about leaving Madrid at the hight of his career.
“I had won everything [at Madrid],” Casemiro added. “I wanted a new experience.
“It wasn’t easy to leave but I had it clear in my mind that I wanted new things such as to learn a new language, to compete in a different league. I still had a good age where I could continue to compete, grow in a different club.
“From the first day I arrived here, Manchester [United] have treated me very well.”