This has been a summer of change for Real Madrid as Los Blancos have said goodbye to a number of long-time players. The likes of Gareth Bale, Isco and Marcelo departed earlier and shockingly, the name of Casemiro was added to that list as well, as the Brazilian has completed an unexpected switch to Manchester United in a deal that could rise up to £70 million with add-ons.
While Casemiro leaving will come as a bigger blow than the departures of Bale, Isco and Marcelo, since the Brazilian defensive midfielder was still an integral part of the first-team, the offer was perhaps too good for Real Madrid to turn down and there appears to have been a desire on the part of the player to go after a new challenge as well. Continue reading
There had been a match midweek between Real Madrid and CSKA Moscow whereby the former suffered a loss with a score of 3-0; Bale was introduced as a half-time substitute in the game. The setback in his fitness levels came back after that.