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Casemiro shocked the footballing world in 2022 when he left Real Madrid to move to England to play for Manchester United. The Brazilian midfielder was a key player for Los Blancos and decided to take on the challenge of the Premier League. 

In a recent interview with El Chiringuito TV, the 32-year-old Brazilian said that he was close to reconsidering his move to United due to the reaction of Real Madrid coach, Carlo Ancelotti. Casemiro revealed that Ancelotti broke down after finding out his star midfielder was leaving. 

I went to speak with Ancelotti. I went into his office and he already knew. I opened the door and when I turned, 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 realized how many people loved me there. But I had already given my word, and my word is more important than anything else. Casemiro to El Chiringuito TV

Casemiro added that he wanted a new experience and that was what United gave him. He added that it was tough to leave the club but he wanted to compete in a new league after nearly 9 years at Madrid. He eventually left the club in August 2022, being purchased for £70 million

Related: Real Madrid EYEING Raphael Varane and Casemiro return from Manchester United[.related_content]

Erik Ten Hag defends Casemiro following huge criticism amidst poor form 

Casemiro is currently in his 2nd season with the Red Devils but hasn’t made much of an impact this season. The midfielder has missed almost three months of football due to injury and was also suspended for one match. Currently, the 32-year-old is struggling for form as Manchester United also struggles for points.

Former Liverpool star Jamie Redknapp called out Casemiro’s performance against Bournemouth, which ended in a 2-2 draw. He said that the Brazilian is one of his favorite defensive midfielders to watch, but reminded him of a player in “Soccer Aid”. United manager Erik ten Hag came to his player’s defense, claiming that the midfielder would bring them success, in a recent press conference.

This season he (Casemiro) has struggled with a bad injury that he never had in his career but he is such a winner - all his career, he has always won. Everywhere he was, there was success. And I trust he will also bring us success.  Erik Ten Hag said

Ten Hag added that Casemiro needed more matches to get in form. He trusted the midfielder, calling him a fighter who has won many trophies. 

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