Casemiro says he is 'truly sorry' for not speaking English in first Man United interview

In his first interview as a Manchester United player, Casemiro has apologised to fans for not speaking English, but has promised to learn "as soon as possible".

The Brazil international has penned a four year contact with United, with reports suggesting the Premier League side have splashed £70 million on the five-time Champions League winner's signature.

He certainly arrives at Old Trafford with plenty of pedigree but the experienced midfielder admitted this week that his seven-year-old daughter and one-year-old son speak better English than he does.

🔥 #PL ready.#MUFC || @Casemiro pic.twitter.com/4xRJ1mdyzx

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 25, 2022

In a chat with journalist Andy Mitten for the club's website, Casemiro was pressed on the language barrier.

“Yes, my wife speaks English. I have a seven-year-old daughter and a one-year-old son. So they speak a bit better English than me," he said. "I'm truly sorry to you and all of the United fans that I don't speak English, but I want to study.

"I want to learn as soon as possible so that I can learn about English culture, to learn English and speak to my friends, my team-mates, all the club staff and I want to show them I'm one of them.”

Casemiro, who says he feels like an 18-year-old again after signing for 'one of the biggest clubs in England', can't wait to get started.

When asked if he was excited about playing in the Premier League, the Brazilian said: "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."

🗣 "I'm the happiest man alive and I can't wait to produce on the pitch."

Casemiro is all smiles as he sits down and speaks about signing for Manchester United

🎥 MUTV pic.twitter.com/ohFPcwLvpc

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) August 25, 2022

🗣 "I feel like I'm 20 or 18 years of age. I'm raring to go."

Casemiro speaking for the first time since becoming a Manchester United player

🎥 MUTV pic.twitter.com/ufBPKCTrlh

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) August 25, 2022

So what should Manchester United expect from Casemiro? Well, experience is perhaps the biggest plus. The 30-year-old has played over 550 professional games, including 63 for his country, and has lifted 22 major honours.

He will bring plenty of attributes on the pitch, too.

"I think I'm a player that loves to work hard," he said. "A player that gives everything on the pitch, but not just over 90 minutes, in training too, which for me is the most important thing. You train as you play and I think, regardless of the scoreline or what's happening on the pitch.

"Of course everyone wants to win matches, win in training, learn in training, but I'm one of those players who wants to go home and know that I've done my job so, that's my philosophy, my mentality and now it's all about giving everything for Manchester United.”