Brazilian midfielder Casemiro has opened up about the difficult conditions he experienced growing up, revealing how family responsibilities shaped him before he became a professional footballer.
The former Real Madrid and Manchester United midfielder said he was forced to take on responsibilities normally associated with a parent while he was still a child.
According to Casemiro, his family did not have enough space at home, forcing him and his siblings to sometimes spend nights at the homes of relatives.
“When I was a child, I had to take on the role of a ‘father,’” Casemiro recalled.
He said he would regularly leave home at night in search of a place to sleep, with his family sometimes staying with his aunt and at other times with his grandmother.
The footballer explained that the family shared a single room and bathroom, while he was also responsible for looking after his younger siblings.
“I was responsible for my younger siblings, taking care of them and feeding them while my mother was at work,” he said.
Casemiro’s difficult childhood later contrasted sharply with his experience at São Paulo, where his football career began to develop.
The Brazilian club provided him with accommodation at its training centre, giving him a private room and access to food throughout the day.
“At São Paulo, they had to set up a place for me to sleep at the training centre. I had my own room, a TV, a stereo and food available throughout the day. It was a privilege for me,” he said.
Casemiro went on to establish himself as one of Brazil’s most successful midfielders. His career reached another level at Real Madrid, where he won multiple major trophies, including five UEFA Champions League titles.
