Real Madrid president Florentino Perez made an emotional tribute to Casemiro at today’s farewell ceremony.
Casemiro was sold to Manchester United on Friday and a farewell was held by Real at the Santiago Bernabeu on Monday morning.
In his opening speech, Florentino declared:
“The great history of our club is written every day and with principles that have been with us for 120 years. This is achieved with special and unique footballers who are capable of creating legends and living this club with incredible passion.
“Today is a day to pay tribute to one of our great references of the moment that Real Madrid is experiencing. Everyone will retain in his memory the names of those who have been part of an unrepeatable team. I remember that 20-year-old boy from Castilla who arrived in 2013, you helped us keep Castilla in the second division and I will remember your extraordinary 20 minutes in Dortmund. You arrived with the determination to leave your soul to succeed at Real Madrid. I never thought this day could come.
“You arrived in Madrid with dreams and ambitions, with the intention of leaving your soul. Almost ten years have passed since your arrival and you have become a myth. I never thought this day could come. It is a special day for feelings, for your family, a family that you have formed here in Madrid. I know very well that your family is the centre of your life, and they know it, as well as your mother and siblings. We have lived and shared moments together that are surely the most exciting of our lives.
“We all feel proud because you have given everything and you have fought in each match as if it were the last of your day. Thank you for being there and acting like a father to the youth. You have been an example of commitment and values. They see in you an example of work and sacrifice. The followers feel affection towards you because you have given everything. It is not easy at all to end the cycle you have completed.
“It is not easy at all to end the cycle you have completed. I still remember when you said you only wanted to play five games in a row to prove yourself. And there weren’t five games, there have been 18 titles. You have been exemplary and also in the farewell, that is why you have earned the right to choose your destiny and we have to respect it. Those of us who know you think that you wanted to leave the image of the champion that you are, with that best player in the Super Cup and also with the nomination for the Ballon d’Or.
“Now you are embarking on a new stage at Manchester United , which is a friendly club. Wherever you are, you will always be a Real Madrid ambassador.
“You will always be one of us and part of our family and I hope that when you return one day we will be able to remember. Thank you Case, this will always be your home, thank you for helping us make our story bigger.”
