Casemiro: I won a lot at Real Madrid, but what I valued most was the respect I earned.

In an interview with Argentine media TN, Casemiro talked about his childhood experiences and his time at Real Madrid.

Casemiro was born in São José dos Campos, São Paulo state, and grew up in an ordinary family as the eldest of three children. Due to his father leaving home and his mother facing significant financial pressure, he began to shoulder family responsibilities from a young age.

Casemiro stated that due to limited family finances, his siblings sometimes had to live separately with relatives because their own home lacked sufficient space.

He said, "I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth; I was born in a slum. It doesn't let you dream of a luxurious life there; it only makes you think about survival. Football is my way out, and it's also how I help my family."

While his mother was away working most of the time, Casemiro would help with housework, prepare meals, and look after his younger siblings until his mother returned home. These responsibilities led him to take on family duties at a very young age.

When discussing his playing style, Casemiro said, "I've known since I was a child that if I want to go further, I have to run more, fight more, and endure more hardship. So my style has always been like this: tough, high-intensity, and unafraid of physical contact. That's my characteristic."

Casemiro's relationship with his father, Servando, ended when he was young. According to Casemiro, his father left the family after a heated argument with his mother and ceased involvement in their daily lives. Casemiro stated that although this experience was painful, he does not hate his father and has learned to accept it over time.

Casemiro's first coach, Moreira, played a crucial role in his development. Moreira not only focused on his football progress but also provided him with clothing, boots, and advice, acting as a father figure in some ways.

Casemiro's time at Real Madrid became one of the most important chapters of his career. After a long loan spell at Porto, he returned to Real Madrid and became a key player in midfield, providing protection for the defense and creating more space for his attacking teammates.

Beyond trophies, Casemiro has consistently emphasized the value of his behind-the-scenes work. He stated, "I've won a lot at Real Madrid, but what I value most is the respect I've earned. Not everyone understands the role of a defensive midfielder. We're not always heroes, but without balance, there's no team. I play to make my teammates shine, and that's enough for me. Because when the team wins, you win too."

Casemiro won 5 Champions League titles, 3 La Liga titles, 3 Club World Cups, 3 Spanish Super Cups, 3 UEFA Super Cups, and 1 Copa del Rey for Real Madrid, making 366 appearances for the club.