Casemiro has revealed an interview with the club’s official site that his Brazilian teammate, Fred, encouraged him to sign for Manchester United. The two play alongside each other for the national team, with Fred playing further forward for Brazil than he tends to at United, and Casemiro is looking forward to playing alongside his compatriot at club level too.
Before coming here I spoke to Fred. He’s a friend who I’ve played alongside in the national team for a good number of games and years. I know him well. He’s a great player and that’s why he plays for Manchester United and for the Brazilian national team, which is difficult to get into. So, I have a special relationship with him and of course he’s a great player and that’s why he plays for Manchester United.
Fred has a lot of qualities. I think he’s a player that has good movement. He’s very mobile, passes the ball well, he has a good shot on him, he can play with both feet, left or right, he can pass the ball well with either foot. He’s a great player. Again, that’s why he plays for the Brazil and he’s a very important player at this club and I think he’ll help me a great deal as he’s Brazilian. I think he’ll help me a lot at the club and without doubt it’s important for me to have another Brazilian here, too.
Fred isn’t the only familiar face for Casemiro at United, but former Real Madrid teammates Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo too. The Brazilian reflected on what it means to be reunited with them.
They are two players that I’ve had the pleasure of playing alongside. We could spend all day talking about Cristiano. He’s one of the best players in the history of football. Looking back at his time at Real Madrid, I think we spent seven years together, so it’s an honour to play once again with these players but not just these guys, I’m looking forward to meeting my new teammates, to helping them and them helping me, too. I’m incredibly excited to be here at Manchester United.
I’ve spoken to Rafa. He tells me he’s happy. His family is very happy here in Manchester and I feel Manchester United have a great centre-back in him and, as we know, Cristiano is up there as one of the best players in the history of football and I think he’ll keep achieving things.
Casmiro finished the interview with a message for the fans, insisting he will do everything he can to bring success back to United.
I’m excited to be here, extremely happy. I appreciate the affection that people have shown me, from day one, the people in the airport, everyone… I’m delighted and I’m sure that I’ll give everything, not just in games but in training as well and you can count on me as another Manchester United player and I want to win matches and titles like all of the players. I’m really looking forward to it and now it’s about working hard and showing everyone what I can do as a footballer.
