Casemiro stated his impending cross to Manchester United is not motivated via cash as he bid an emotional farewell to Real Madrid on Monday.
The Brazil midfielder, 30, stated he is joining “the largest team in the world” after a nine-year spell with Real.
United have agreed to pay up to £70m to signal Casemiro on a four-year deal which would make him one of the top earners at the three-time European champions.
“If it was about cash I would have left 4 or 5 years ago,” he said.
“Those people who assume that are wrong, they do not know me at all.
“The club has always handled me very well. It’s my decision, my path.
“After joining from Sao Paulo in 2013, Casemiro helped Real win the Champions League 5 times, plus La Liga three times and the Cope del Rey once.
He started closing season’s Champions League final, as Real beat Liverpool to come to be European champions for the 14th time, and he made his 336th look for the Spanish giants as a substitute in closing week’s opening-day win at Almeria.
“I spoke to my agent after the Champions League final as I had the feeling that I used to be coming to the stop of my cycle here,” stated Casemiro.
“It was once the hardest selection of my life but I’m excited about what’s ahead of me. I prefer to face new challenges, know a exclusive league, a different country and a different culture.
“I’m going to the largest team in the world, that can compete with the greatness of Real Madrid, even though now it doesn’t.
“United have lost their first two games of the new Premier League season and host Liverpool at Old Trafford on Monday.
Cristiano Ronaldo won 4 Champions League titles alongside Casemiro at Real however the Portugal ahead has been strongly linked with a pass away from Old Trafford this summer.
“I have not spoken to Cristiano, I hope he stays because he is one of the high-quality players of all time,” Casemiro added.
“Everything I did here, I favor to do there too. I choose to win the league there.
“I am going via one of the best moments of my career. I sense I’m truely fit, mentally I sense great, and I feel like it is a great second to take this decision.
“Real Madrid president Florentino Perez was also emotional during the ceremony held at the Spanish champions’ training complex.
“You have been exemplary every single day in all of these years here,” he said. “You have earned the right to decide your future and we must recognize it.
“You leave the photo of the champion that you are. You are going to a friendly club, the legendary Manchester United, but wherever you are you will usually be an ambassador of Real Madrid.
“You will always be one of us. This is and continually will be your home.”
