Luka Modric and Toni Kroos have put their emotions aside to give Casemiro the going-away present he deserves.
The three men, who at one stage, made up the best midfield on the planet, have finally separated. While the Croatian and the German will remain at Real Madrid, the Brazilian is set to move on to a brand new challenge.
He has agreed to a four-year, £350,000 a week deal with Manchester United, where he will attempt to help the club return to its glory years.
United parted with a whopping €60 million to secure the services of the 30-year-old, and with good reason too. During his time in La Liga, he cemented his place among the world’s greatest midfielders. He had immense physicality, an incredible ball-winning ability, and an overwhelming sense of desire.
His showings helped Madrid win three La Ligas and five Champions Leagues. However, perhaps what Casemiro is most renowned for, is his relationship with his midfield partners, Modric and Kroos. Their chemistry on the pitch allowed the team to blossom, and they are the finest midfield trio of their generation.
Therefore, it comes as no surprise, that the pair who remain are sad to see him go.
Toni Kroos writes Casemiro an emotional letter
The two Real Madrid men wrote their replies via Marca and put their heart and soul into every word.
Kroos scribed: “With you, my dear Case, it was impossible not to break a sweat… in any situation. Because you wouldn’t let us relax even in the Turkish bath. Meeting there was another torment: you told someone to go, and you almost had exercise bikes and weights ready.
“A warning for your new colleagues to know. Because with you, even the Turkish bath was a gym… and you only allow people to lie down when it’s time to do sit-ups.”
He continued: “I’m going to miss you. As an exemplary professional. As a top player and as a fighter who saved me from several… But, above all, as a good person.
We have made history, damn it! What a legendary period…
Now our sporting paths are parting, but our friendship remains. I can assure you of that. I wish you all the best. See you soon. Good luck to you.”
Luka Modric says goodbye to Casemiro
Kroos’ message will undoubtedly leave the Brazilian midfielder very emotional when he reads it. Next up was Modric.
The one-time Ballon d’Or winner wrote: “Dear Case, I still remember your debut with our club…. How nervous you were! I asked you to be calm, and now I think about it, and look how it turned out. What you have achieved! It was also my first season, and neither of us could have imagined what football had in store for us.
“You have become a real leader. You have been one for your teammates and for madridismo. We will always remember you.”
He added: “We have won a lot together, but I’ll keep the moments that nobody sees. With the day-to-day work in Valdebebas. And above all with the jokes, because you were always in a good mood, even in moments of tension or when there were mistakes.
“Those laughs with you gave me peace of mind. Just like looking back and seeing you, knowing that there’s going to be a lot of “Njega-Njega”. You’ve been the best bodyguard in the world.
“I’m going to miss you, but I wish you the best. It’s what a professional and a person like you deserves.
“Thanks for everything, and best of luck, my friend!”
Featured Image Credit: Getty