Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Casemiro wants to leave the club for Premier League side Manchester United, which would present the midfielder with a “new challenge”. According to media reports, the Brazilian is to sign a four to a five year deal at United .
Casemiro has won three La Liga titles and five Champions Leagues during his nine-year spell at Madrid. He formed a formidable midfield trio with Luka Modric and Toni Kroos but his exit will have Aurelien Tchouameni replacing him in the role.
“Casemiro wants a new challenge and we understand his feeling, I do not think there is a way back,” Ancelotti said.
“For what Casemiro has done for this club and the person that he is, we have to respect his wishes. Now there are negotiations, nothing is official and he remains a Real Madrid player, but his desire is to leave. “If that happens and there is an agreement, we have the resources to replace him.”
The Italian coach explained that he understands Casemiro’s desire to change scenery, as the Brazilian midfielder has won as many as five Champions League trophies at Real Madrid.
While Carlo Ancelotti interacting with the media he said ,”Something similar happened to me when I was coach at AC Milan. You’re doing very well, but there comes a time when you want to try something new.
And I felt very well at a club that was like a family. It’s a personal thing and I understand it perfectly.
The players understand that. Everyone at Real Madrid have a lot of respect for him. When Casemiro asks to try a new challenge, we have to understand him, we have to accept it with the utmost respect and affection.
“On a personal level, when you’re with such a kind and professional person for so long, you’re not happy, but respect prevails.”
Ancelotti went on to stress that Real Madrid have many alternatives in midfield after signing Aurelien Tchouameni from Monaco earlier in the summer.
“If Casemiro leaves, we have six midfielders,” Ancelotti added.
“With Casemiro we had seven. I think six is enough to handle the whole season. These six are very, very good.
“[Tchouameni] is strong in the air, he has a good shot, he’s forceful, he can get into the opposition’s box. It’s clear that I’m not going to tell him to play like Casemiro. We have to try to take advantage of his shot.”
The Italian coach also revealed that he had only heard rumours about Manchester United’s interest up until Thursday, when he was informed that Casemiro could depart the club.
At present, Manchester United are desperately in need of new recruits, having made a terrible start to their Premier League campaign. The Red Devils are at the bottom of the league standings for the first time in 30 years.
Bengali