Despite six months since departing FC Barcelona, seeing the Spanish club without Lionel Messi remains a strange sight for some, even the players. Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro spoke with AS and discussed their situation when Cristian Ronaldo left Los Blancos.
Casemiro stated that when Ronaldo left Real Madrid, there was no denying that they felt his loss, so he understands what Barcelona is going through in the post-Messi era.
“It’s normal, we didn’t realize it because we had them next to us, but both Messi and Cristiano have transformed football. Before the top scorers of the season scored 20 or 25 goals. And these two arrive and start dialing 40, 50 or 60. It seemed impossible. They changed this sport. Cristiano scored more goals than he matches he played for Real Madrid,” Casemiro said.
“It’s a crazy thing. When a player like that leaves the team, it’s normal for the team to miss him. They marked time. But I think the key is to change as soon as possible. Barça must adapt to this new reality. Madrid readapted to the situation. And Barça will do it, for sure. Because these clubs are the biggest in the world and have always had the best in history.”
The Brazil international also spoke about facing Messi again as next week marks the first leg between Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid. Despite the rivalry, Casemiro doesn’t hesitate to put the 34-year-old in the top three of best footballers in history.