Casemiro 'always wanted' Real Madrid return

Brazilian midfielder Casemiro has revealed that his plans were always to return to Real Madrid this summer.

The 23-year-old spent last season on loan at Porto, who turned his short-term stay into a permanent deal before the end of the season.

Real Madrid exercised their buy-back option for the Brazilian international earlier this month, however, after his impressive campaign in Portugal.

"I'm living another dream and I feel like I'm back home," he told Real Madrid's official website. "I was away for a year but my thoughts were always with Madrid. I'm looking forward to succeeding here.

"[The season with Porto] was a very important year in my life. The club helped me a lot but I worked hard, with enthusiasm and humility and always thought about returning to Madrid. It was a spectacular year in individual terms."

Casemiro is expected to play a key role for Rafael Benitez's new-look Real Madrid this season.