REAL MADRID
Casemiro: "I wanted Neymar to come to Real Madrid"
Casemiro spoke to El Transistor and discussed Neymar, Zidane's evolution, Hazard and how Real Madrid have a world class player in Fede Valverde.
When Zidane arrived, he played you less and you started to disappear a bit from the team. What has changed since you were that 21-year-old?
Zidane spoke with me and gave me calm. Now, it's different, I'm 27 and I have lots of games under my belt. But the desire to work and be a success at this club remain the same. Every time I have more desire to be a success here. Sure, I'm not the same guy who arrived when I was 21 but that happens in evey aspect of life, not just in football. It happens in all professions, experience is important.
What do you think has helped you secure your place at Real Madrid?
A little bit of everything. Work, talent, humility. But above all else, it's work. I think that when you work, you get results. Working hard is my strength.
Where have you improved the most?
I don't play the same as when I was 21 and just arrived. The football player, until the day he retires, keeps learning, every day learning a new lesson.
You're humble and sensitive but not the work speaks about you and the whole world speaks well...
I know how important I am for the club and I know how important I am for Zidane but I never forget where I came from. I never forget that my neighbourhood im Brazil. I don't forget my family, my mother. Those are the values I keep with me.
Who was Morera?
He was my first manager, six or seven years old, and he almost forced me to play. He gave me clothes, boots to play and he let me play without paying because we didn't have money. From a young age, I always like to play football and it didn't matter in what position. For me, the goal was to steal the ball and the Bernabéu cheer that on too.
Talk about Valverde.
He is a great player but he will be much better than he is not. He is growing a lot. We have one of the best number 8s in the world for the next 12 years.
Has Zidane evolved much as a manager?
A lot.
Do you speak with Neymar?
I speak with Neymar almost every day. He is a crack!
Did he want to go to Barcelona?
You'll have to ask him that. I wanted him to come to Madrid.
Would you prefer Neymar over Mbappé?
They are two great players but they are very different.
How is Hazard?
He is really good, one of the player who has surprised me the most. He has something that nobody has, he thinks further ahead than the rest and he has a lot to offer us.
How do you think it looks when Bale leaves before the end of the games?
I am a defender of Bale, he is a huge player! They only speak about the things he does wrong but never the good things like the goals that have brought us titles. What he does of the field doesn't bother me. He is a great player.
Why did you pick number 14?
Because of Guti and Xabi Alonso.
Will Vinicius end up being a success at Real Madrid?
Without a doubt. He is a really good player although we can't give him too much responsibility. Last year, he was the best in the team alongside Benzema.
Do you see Odegaard at Madrid?
Madrid have always believed in him and he is having a great season. I have to congratulate him because he is having an incredible year. But it's not up to me to say that next year he has to play at Madrid.