Manchester United CDM Casemiro said his departure from Real Madrid in 2022 didn’t diminish the profound connection he holds with the club, with regards to their remarkable Champions League legacy.
Casemiro’s tenure at Madrid was defined by an exceptional collection of titles, most notably five Champions League victories, a feat that matches the entire history of Spanish rivals Barcelona in the competition.
Casemiro’s reflections on his time at the Bernabéu highlight how deeply ingrained values and preparation helped form the foundation of Madrid’s success, particularly in Europe.
In an interview with outlet Diario AS, Casemiro said the club’s (Real Madrid) culture sets players up for greatness. Los Blancos has a mentality that demands winning at all costs, especially in the Champions League, where their identity thrives.
He has credited the club’s veterans for guiding newcomers like Vinícius and Rodrygo, ensuring that they quickly adapted to the relentless pressure of playing for the most successful European club.
When asked about the significance of the Bernabéu on European nights, Casemiro highlighted how both the stadium and the city contributed to the team’s success.
With added pressure from fans and pushing them (players) even when they’re ahead, created an environment that bred the drive to continiously win. That pressure to win Casemiro said fueled the club’s Champions League aspirations, with players understanding that anything less than victory is considered a failure.
The defensive midfielder recalled how, after winning the 11th Champions League title, Luka Modric calmly stated that the team should aim for two more consecutive titles.
This foresight from Luka then proved true, with Madrid clinching the 12th and 13th titles shortly after. For Casemiro, these moments exemplified Madrid’s unyielding quest for more success.
The Brazilian midfielder also reflected on the era of Cristiano Ronaldo, acknowledging the Portuguese star’s impact on football. His partnership with Madrid, alongside figures like Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema, formed one of the most iconic teams in modern football.
Casemiro speaks with pride about the collective achievements, emphasizing the special bond formed with players like Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.
Even after moving to Manchester United, Casemiro continued to express immense pride in his Madrid successes. He acknowledged that United’s current transition period is far from the consistent dominance Madrid experienced during his time.
He believes the Red Devils’ fans’ passion and commitment are just as integral to the club’s identity, despite not being in the same dominant phase.
Casemiro sees notable differences in mentality between Madrid and Man United, particularly in the relentless winning culture at Madrid. While Manchester United boasts a rich history, the pressure to dominate in the Champions League at Madrid is unparalleled.
His memories of playing alongside Kroos and Modric remain vivid, with the trio forming one of the most harmonious midfield partnerships in football.
Reflecting on these golden years, Casemiro expressed immense pride in their achievements, particularly their three consecutive Champions League victories.
Ultimately, Casemiro’s beliefs in Madrid’s future remain steadfast. He insists that the club will always be a contender for the Champions League, driven by its intrinsic DNA and relentless pursuit of victory.