Florentino: “Real Madrid's principles need the talent of special footballers for the legend of this club. Many wonder how we can achieve seemingly impossible challenges.”
Florentino: “Here we have part of this answer, with players like Casemiro who today receives our affection. It is a day to pay tribute to one of our references in this wonderful time that Real Madrid is experiencing. Dear Casemiro, I remember your arrival when you were only 20.”
Florentino: “I will always remember your extraordinary 20 minutes in Dortmund key to La Decima."
Florentino: “Ten years have passed and you have become one of our myths. I never thought, honestly, that this day could come. It's a day for your feelings and your family. Your children are from Madrid. Your family is at the center of your life.”
Florentino: “They know your dedication and sacrifice better than anyone else, always from humility and effort. We have shared the most important moments of our lives. We are proud of your story with this shirt and this shield. You have given everything.”
Florentino: “You have fought each game as if it were the last. The pressure here is not easy, but coped with it and you have always shown your colleagues the rebellion to face it. And you have been a father for the young. You are an example of commitment & values."
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Casemiro: “I wanted to... (break into tears). I don't get it... When my wife and I got here, I didn't know anyone. We were going to a new country to a club that many people didn't know... and we have built our lives here. Our family.”
Casemiro: “I had all the illusion of being able to play here, when I left Sao Paulo, it was clear to me that I was to play in the first team. But first I had to play for Castilla.”
Casemiro: “It was a very big illusion because I learned values there, which is the most beautiful thing about this club. The future is this young ones."
Carlo Ancelotti: “Tchouaméni has different qualities to Casemiro. He played really well today and he’s shown what he’s been doing so well in training. He defended well and he enjoyed playing his part in the team’s performance.”
Ancelotti: “He looked comfortable because Modrić, Camavinga and he did a great job, along with the help of Valverde, who always does an important job defensively.”
Ancelotti: “Modrić is immortal. He’s clever, well prepared and is playing really well. His goal changed the game, because until the goal it was an even match and it was really competitive. Celta pressed in the first half.”
Carlo Ancelotti’s pre-match press conference: A thread.
Ancelotti on Casemiro leaving: “It's a personal matter. Casemiro knows what Madrid is, but he is willing to leave. I spent time in Milan but I wanted to try something new even though that was my family. I understand him."
Ancelotti on Tchouaméni: “He is strong, he has a good foot,. I'm not going to ask him to play as Casemiro. We have to take advantage of their tackles and their shots. He has to improve, but he is ready to play for Madrid."
Is it true Kroos doesn't like to play as a DM?
Ancelotti: “He didn't tell me. And if he tells me, he will play there."
Benzema speaks first: “The road was difficult, we went to battle by game. This is a dream, it is something very important; we are ready and we are going to try to win. We are the European champions and we want to take the trophy to Madrid.”
Modrić: "It's been tough, but at the same time very nice. We're very excited about tomorrow's game, it's the possible first trophy of the season. We've had a great pre-season and we're going to give it our all.”
Best player in the world?
Benzema: "I'm not in that, but I am in giving my best for this club every year. Madrid is the best club in the world and to continue every year, we have to improve. Last year I had a very good season, but the 'best in the world' is for other people.“