Casemiro: The Premier League is a dream to play in

New Manchester United signing Casemiro has conducted his first interview with the club since arriving from Real Madrid earlier this week.

Carlos, welcome to Manchester United, what are you feeling like after signing for this club?
“Well, firstly, many thanks. There's no doubt I'm really excited. I've been very warmly welcomed. I've already felt that special affection from everyone towards me and of course that's really important. I felt that great affection from the moment I arrived and I think it's a new challenge. I'm absolutely delighted. I feel like I'm 20 or 18 years of age, I'm raring to go, I'm excited to be amongst my teammates, playing in the stadium and I think that it's just huge excitement and I'm absolutely delighted.”

Is playing in the Premier League exciting for you?
“Of course it is. The Premier League is a dream to play in. It's a wonderful league. The respect that fans have for players, the players have for fans, the players with the referees, the referees with the players, the passion of the clubs… when go from the airport to the city, you feel that the city has football in the air and I think that stadium also speaks for itself. The ground breathes football and I'm delighted to be here.”

You've played against Manchester United once in the Super Cup but against City, Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea many times, what do you think about Premier League football?
“Well, I think that English football is very physical and, without doubt, it's very tough. But what I like most about the players, the referees, the fans in this country is that they are fair, regardless of how physical things may be, everyone is fair. Of course there's contact in football, clashes, but the fairness with which it's played in this league is the most beautiful thing. We know it's a competitive league, whether you're playing home or away, every game is very tough. All of the teams are equally matched and I think it's not just those teams who play in the Champions or Europa League, the top team can lose to the bottom one and that is what the league is like. It's beautiful that it is so competitive and I'm excited to be playing in it.”

Finally, do you have a message for the fans?
“Well, I'm excited to be here, extremely happy. I appreciate the affection that people have shown me, from day one, the people in the airport, everyone… I'm delighted and I'm sure that I'll give everything, not just in games but in training as well and you can count on me as another Manchester United player and I want to win matches and titles like all of the players. I'm really looking forward to it and now it's about working hard and showing everyone what I can do as a footballer.”