Casemiro: “Cristiano Ronaldo is helping me a lot”

Casemiro sat down with ESPN Brazil to discuss signing for Manchester United. He admits the move fills him with hope, despite the fact that the club is not enjoying its best spell.

How was it changing teams?

I felt like an 18 or 20-year-old. The feeling was different after so many years at a club, but the feeling is one of great hope, that it is starting now. I want to play now.

How was the chat with Fred (teammate with Brazil and now at United)?

Before you arrive you ask what it’s like to play in the Premier League. Everyone says nice things about the league. But we are talking about a great club, a very powerful one here in England.

And with Cristiano?

We are talking about one of the best players of all time. He knows how much respect I have for him. He is a player who contributes many things and Cris knows that I have a special affection for him. He speaks Portuguese and talks with me a lot, he is helping me a lot. Without a doubt, he is a very important player for us.

Do you feel intimidated by signing a long contract at 30?

Madrid is under pressure from all sides... but I wanted to learn, I wanted more for my career and at a great club like Manchester United.

Do you think you will have the same success as in Madrid?

That cannot be confirmed in football. Only the work, the dedication and if I won so much in Madrid it’s because of sacrifice. But here (in Manchester) I didn’t win anything yet.

United is going through a difficult spell, it’s a different situation than Madrid...

Without a doubt, but as I said in my farewell, I have given everything at Madrid and I am 30 years old, I want to try new things... I want to help my teammates, and be out there on the pitch.

Why was not playing in the Champions League not a disadvantage?

I have five (laughs), but having five doesn’t mean I don’t want more... the Champions League is the most important competition you can win. In addition, United was very affectionate with me, very attentive, from the first day, as Real Madrid was.

Can we expect another Casemiro with Ten Hag?

It depends on the coach. Of course, in the end, each game is played in a different way. My style of play is already known to everyone, but I am just another soldier who wants to help my teammates and the coach, and if I have to do another job, I have no problem. I’m here to help.