Casemiro has revealed his move to Manchester United came at just the right time and he'd have been reluctant to make the switch at any other period of his career.
The Brazilian international joined last summer, leaving Real Madrid after the Red Devils forked out £60million as well as £10m in potential add-ons. While some take a while to adjust to the rigorous nature of the Premier League, Casemiro adjusted to life in England with relative ease and quickly established himself as an integral part of Erik ten Hag's system.
At the time of his arrival, many claimed that United had overpaid for Casemiro given his age, but pundits and fans alike have since been forced to eat their words. The Old Trafford faithful can look back and be glad their side made the move for the midfielder when they did, as things could have played out differently in just about any other window, as the man himself has explained.
The five-time Champions League winner spoke to Placar TV about his reasons for leaving the Santiago Bernabeu and what inspired him to opt for Old Trafford as his new home.
"I had various reasons," the 31-year-old admitted. "I had various reasons that one ends up placing on a scale and ends up compensating. Speaking of reasons... of course, I talked to my family. It's important to talk to my family. They accepted that everything was going to be fine. My wife, my family, my children, of course, their happiness is also important.
"There was a time to leave the club, to leave a great club. There are ages when you have that will, that strength to move."
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Casemiro went on to explain that if United had come in for him in the years prior to his exit, or the windows after, he'd have snubbed their interests to remain in the Spanish capital.
"I would also tell you that if it had been two years ago I would not have left. If it had happened in two or three years I would not have left Real Madrid to go to another big one in Europe. There is an ambition to want to play in another league."
His desire to test himself in a new division has paid dividends, with Casemiro already securing the Carabao Cup in his debut campaign and on the hunt for more silverware in the red of United next term. He'll even get his first taste of Champions League football for a side other than Los Blancos.
There has even been speculation that the Brazilian could take on the captain's armband if and when current skipper Harry Maguire is relieved of his role and potentially sold.
