Casemiro: Carlo Ancelotti shed tears when I made the move from Real Madrid to Manchester United.

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has opened up about the emotional moment Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti cried upon learning of his departure to the Premier League club.

Casemiro, who spent nine successful years with the Spanish giants, winning numerous league titles and Champions League trophies, made the move to Old Trafford for a reported fee of £60 million last season. Despite his success at United, Casemiro revealed that he almost reconsidered the move after witnessing Ancelotti’s tears.

Speaking to El Chiringuito de Jugones, Casemiro said, “I haven’t told this to anyone before. I only doubted my move to Manchester once. I remember it was a Friday afternoon and it [the deal] was all but done except for my signature. People knew that it was done. I went to speak with Ancelotti. I went into his office and he already knew. I opened the door and when I turned [towards him], 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 realised how many people loved me there. But I had already given my word, and my word is more important than anything else.”

Since joining United, Casemiro has faced some challenges in his second season, with injuries affecting his form. The team, managed by Erik ten Hag, was eliminated from Europe in December and currently faces an uphill battle to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League, trailing Aston Villa by 13 points with only six matches remaining.

Despite these difficulties, Casemiro expressed no regrets about his move to United. “I had won everything [at Madrid],” he explained. “I wanted a new experience. It wasn’t easy to leave but I had it clear in my mind that I wanted new things such as to learn a new language, to compete in a different league. I still had a good age where I could continue to compete, grow in a different club. From the first day I arrived here, Manchester [United] have treated me very well.”

Casemiro’s revelation about Ancelotti’s emotional reaction highlights the deep bond between player and manager, showcasing the impact that their relationship had on his decision to leave Madrid. Despite the challenges he has faced at United, Casemiro remains committed to his new club and is determined to make the most of his new experiences in the Premier League.