On-loan Porto midfielder Casemiro says Real Madrid are still one of the top teams in Europe despite the sales of Angel di Maria and Xabi Alonso.
Los Blancos have come under fire for allowing the pair to leave, and the 4-2 loss to Real Sociedad saw many pundits claim the team is weaker now than it was last season, despite the arrivals of Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez among others.
Speaking to Marca about Real, he said: “Real Madrid’s form is still the same, because last year they also had fantastic players. Real Madrid is still a top team; I don’t think anything has changed despite the comings and goings.”
The Brazilian, who found himself on the bench for much of his time at the Santiago Bernabeu over the past 18 months, said his temporary switch to Porto is a good move for him.
He told the Madrid-based daily he decided to leave the 10-time European Cup winners for the chance to play more regular first team football and at a club that is playing the Champions League this season.
“Coming here has been a step forward in my career. Porto have a great structure to it and, like Real Madrid, are a great club. If everything turns out right, maybe instead of one, this move is three steps forward. After these first two months, everything is going marvellously,” he stated.
And he added: “I wanted more playing time, but also to play tougher matches, like the ones we play in the Champions League or those that will come in the Portuguese league. That’s why I chose Porto, a great club that will give me the opportunity to play at the highest level. It wasn’t just about leaving for any old club. I wanted to compete, and Porto is one of Europe’s top clubs.”
