United have agreed a deal with Real Madrid to sign the 30-year-old Brazil international, subject to a medical and visa being granted. Casemiro’s excitement over the move has led him to express his regret that the transfer will not be made official in time to face Liverpool at Old Trafford on Monday night. Start your evenings with the Guardian’s view of the world of football Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain information about charities, online advertising and content sponsored by external parties. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. “I spoke to my wife and she said I look like an 18-year-old kid who is very excited about his new project and I feel so excited to play in the Premier League,” Casemiro said during an emotional farewell ceremony. “If I could, I would play for United against Liverpool today. It’s a club with a long history, I’ll have to work hard to make a name for myself because I haven’t won anything there yet. At Manchester United, first of all, what I want is to convey the way I feel about the club, my respect. “Everything I did here [at Real] I want to do it there too. I want to show my fighting spirit, ability to work hard and professional attitude. I want to win the championship. I’m going through one of the best moments of my career. I feel like I’m really fit, mentally I feel great and I want to keep enjoying myself. It’s a great time to make this decision.” Casemiro is expected to earn around £350,000 a week at United. “Those who think I’m leaving for money are because they don’t know me. At the end of the Champions League final [when Real beat Liverpool in May] I had the feeling that my cycle was over. After the holidays, with a clear head, the feeling was the same. Managers, players or the Glazers: what’s the problem at Manchester United? – video “It wasn’t that fast [a decision]. I already spoke to the club as soon as the Champions League ended. People: don’t forget the club I’m going to [is] the biggest team in the world and can compete with the greatness of Real Madrid, although now they don’t.” The midfielder won four of his five Champions League medals when Ronaldo was also playing for Real. The Portuguese wants to leave United, but Casemiro said: “I haven’t spoken to Cristiano, I hope he stays because he is one of the best players of all time.”
