'Kroos messaged me at 4 am': Casemiro reveals he decided to leave Madrid after Champions League final
"I look back at what I did here and I feel happiness and pride," Casemiro said in the second part of his farewell speech. "I gave my everything here.
"I spoke to my agents after the Champions League final. I knew it was the end. It wasn't a sudden decision. I knew after the CL final that I wanted to leave.
"I like Premier League and I've always said I wanted to play there one day. I have to thank the president because he listened to me and my wish. We're both respectful to each other.
"Leaving for money? People who say this clearly don't know me. They're wrong. If it was for money I would have left 4 years ago.
"Toni Kroos sent me a message at 4 am asking if I was leaving. He was sick and I told him to let me sleep (laughs).
"I felt my journey here was over. Now I join the biggest club in England but I'll always be a Real Madrid fan and I'll celebrate every goal.
"What am I looking for? New challenges, a new club, another country, another culture. I feel as if I am 18 years old again. I’m excited. I have a lot of football left.
"I want to thank the Real Madrid fans for all the support, I will always carry them in my heart. Hala Madrid!"
Casemiro leaves Santiago Bernabeu after nine years of service. The midfielder won 18 trophies at the club, including 5 Champions League and 3 La Liga titles.