Casemiro: “We want to be first, it depends on us”

Casemiro, who travels in the squad to face Inter Milan after overcoming the coronavirus infection, gave an interview to the official UEFA media. The Brazilian talks about the importance of Ramos in the team, the work of Zidane, what the Champions League means for Real Madrid and his experience of playing three finals and scoring in one of them.

Victory against Inter in the previous match.— “We knew it was not going to be an easy match but mentally we were very strong and focused on victory. And then Rodrygo confirmed it with a goal. The mental work and concentration that we maintained throughout the match were very important. We are aware of that there is still a long way to go, but that victory was very important. We want to be the first, there is still a possibility and it depends on us. We already had a great game against Inter, so we can only grow in this competition. We know it is a difficult group. Shakhtar have high-quality Brazilian players. Borussia have been doing very well in Germany, with a coach who has very clear ideas. And Inter are a great team, with a strong tradition and a coach who he is very clear about how he sees the game. “

Without Ramos.— “Sergio is a leader in the dressing room and on the field. It is a pleasure to share all these years with him. What he is doing now is writing his name in the history books of the club. He is a player who never gives up, who always he wants to fight and he always wants to win. He pushes the team forward, he is a leader and a role model for us. The other day he scored his 100th goal with Madrid and we must congratulate him, but for those of us who are with him every day It is no surprise given his journey, his pace of work, how much he takes care of himself and the person he is. Scoring so many important goals in the difficult situations we have faced is the key to everything. That is his personality. He is 34 years old. and he still wants to improve, learn and work hard. “

The Champions.— “It's special. The week before a game is completely different at this club. Every game is important, but before a Champions League game the atmosphere changes. It's no wonder that Real Madrid have won so many trophies. We all breathe the Champions here and we all live to win it. “

Football behind closed doors. “It's really strange, especially because you end up losing the fans, which is the beauty of football. But I'm sure that the Real Madrid fans are watching their team and supporting them from home. We know that the situation is not looking good for them. fans return to the stadiums and it has to happen gradually because COVID-19 is a complex situation and we have to take care of ourselves. We are sad, but we understand that football, unfortunately, is played like this now. We have adapted a little, but yes We could choose, of course, we would want the fans, which is very important to us. “

Relationship with Zidane.— “It is very easy to talk about Zidane. As a player, he has always been my idol, because he played in midfield. His qualities are different from mine, but I appreciate his style. And as a manager we are not aware of what he has really done. Zidane and what he is doing for the benefit of Real Madrid. Very few coaches have been able to do what he has achieved so far, especially his achievements in the Champions League. And we must not forget that last season we won the League and the Super Cup again from Spain. I have to enjoy those moments with him and learn every day. His merits as a player and as a coach will be remembered in 20 or 30 years because what he is doing now will stand the test of time. It will be discussed when it is mentioned the history of Real Madrid “.

His position on the field. “I always say that a footballer, whatever his age, is going to learn something new every day, even if it's small details. The role of defensive midfielder was quite common in the past, especially in Brazil. We had a lot of those players, like Mauro Silva, Gilberto Silva, Dunga … They felt comfortable playing that role, 'number 5', as we say in Brazil. That ceased to exist later, but now it is returning because the line-up itself has changed. Today we have returned to the old line-up with the full-backs coming up very high and then backing away. And of course the defensive midfielder plays a vital role in this because he provides balance, he must be attentive to the other players and fill in the gaps they may leave. The defensive midfielder is in the center of everything and the midfield is fundamental for a team “.

Play three Champions League finals. “It is indescribable. You have to experience it to know how you feel when playing a Champions League final and more with Real Madrid. You have to experience it because it is so special, so exciting, that all kinds of things surprise you. The unwavering desire to win, the fans … You have a hard time eating because the nerves take over your stomach. It's the Champions League and you're playing for Real Madrid. For me it's a dream come true to have won so many European Cups. “

Score in a Champions League final.— “I swear that I never imagined that I would play a Champions League final and even less score. I enjoy doing the dirty work and not being in the spotlight because I am like that as a person. I never imagined that I would score in a final and when I did it against Juventus I did not I knew what to do. I started running, spread my arms and slid to my knees. But honestly, I didn't know what I was doing. When my classmates came to hug me I just looked up at the sky thanking God that I was living a dream. “

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His goals are important for Madrid.— “I don't like to stand out. All the players want to score, but if I have to do the dirty work and Benzema, Vinicius Jr. or Hazard score, I would be very happy for them. Even Sergio Ramos has this ability, which amazes me every day and every game , of appearing in finals and growing up. My goal is to do that dirty job well. To steal the ball from a player in a dangerous play. That's what I enjoy and what I like to do on the field. “