Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro gave an interview to Spanish magazine Libero and talked about his career, his beginnings as a Real Madrid player and his teammates.

“It was an honor to play and develop as a player in Madrid’s academy. You get to know how the club works and also the fan base. Jese was the big star of that team with Lucas, Morata, Nacho and Denis. It was beautiful because there I learned how to do things that most people don’t know how to do them and I feel as a Real Madrid academy player,” said Casemiro, who spent half a season playing for Castilla when Madrid decided to sign him away from Sao Paulo.

The midfielder was asked about his teammate Fede Valverde, who has become a key starter for Real Madrid this season.

“He’s doing great this season, one of the most important players in the world of football right now and he’s improving game after game. I’m sure he will be one of the best number 8 out there two years from now,” said the Brazilian midfielder, who was also asked about what a number 8 has to do on the pitch.

“A number 8 can be a player like Kroos or Modric, who control the game and feed the strikers, but Fede also needs to keep in mind that he has to help the defensive line,” explained Casemiro.

He then told a story about his debut for Real Madrid during the 2012-2013 season under Jose Mourinho.

“He told me: ‘Go out there and just shoot it the first time you touch the ball. The Bernabeu loves that,” recalls Casemiro, who also explained why Sergio Busquets is one of Barcelona’s most important players.

“Busquets is similar to Xabi Alonso and to me he’s Barcelona’s most important player alongside Messi. He is always in good position, one of the best midfielders,” said Casemiro. The midfielder concluded the interview praising Zinedine Zidane.

“He deserves all the credit and every ovation and applause after what he accomplished and what he’s doing right now,” said the midfielder.