Brazilian midfielder Casemiro left Real Madrid during the summer transfer window to join Premier League side Manchester United.

Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has said that he misses the impact of Casemiro, and he has had to play a more defensive role in his absence.

Kroos told Universo Valdano programme on Spanish TV: “I was surprised by Casemiro’s departure. It is true that the rumours started two days before, but here there are always many rumours and many times nothing happens.

“But when he told me I was sad, because I began to remember all the years with him and the things we won together.”

“My role has changed a little with Aurelien arriving, because he comes out of his position a little more than Case did,” Kroos continued.

“That forces me to defend a little more, but I also like it. It doesn’t change me too much, although maybe it’s a little more defensive.

“In general, it doesn’t affect me much, I play my game. I like contact with the ball, of course. Always I say that I prefer to touch the ball 100 times and not score than touch it 40 times and score.

“That way I feel comfortable and it helps me to start the attack well. And of course, I also like to arrive into the box to shoot. But there are more players on the team who can do that and fewer who come go back to defend and help out.”