Real Madrid will keep winning without Mbappe, says Casemiro

Madrid, May 24, 2022 (AFP) - Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro said on Tuesday the club will continue to succeed without Kylian Mbappe after the striker decided to stay at Paris Saint-Germain.

Madrid were desperate to sign Mbappe when his contract expired this summer, but the striker rejected a move to Spain, opting instead to sign a new three-year deal with PSG.

"This club is not about players, this club is about history," said Casemiro on Tuesday.

"Players can mark certain times like Alfredo di Stefano, Cristiano (Ronaldo), but this club will continue to win, because the players are very important, but what wins is the club. The fans may be sad, but with what we have, this club will continue to win."

Mbappe scored against Real Madrid in both legs of the Champions League last 16 this season and was applauded by the home fans at the Santiago Bernabeu in March.

"He is a great player who made us work hard in both games," Casemiro said.

"The second thing is respect. If he has made that decision, we have to respect it, we have to realise that he has made that decision with his family and we can no longer talk about a player who does not belong to Real Madrid.

"We wish him the best in his life, not against Madrid, but hopefully he will be happy where he is."

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said Madrid's players had "disconnected" from the speculation over Mbappe.

"On a day-to-day basis, we are not reading everything that comes out," said Courtois.

"In the end, everyone decides what's best for their career and life, but I think there is nothing more beautiful than playing for Real Madrid."