Casemiro: I'll tell my grandchildren that I played with Modric and Kroos

Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro has revealed the extent of his admiration for his engine-room colleagues Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, who he believes future generations will still venerate.

The Brazilian international, talking in a recent interview, explained that playing alongside those two is something he'll be able to boast about well into his old age.

"It's a privilege to play for so long at the biggest club in the world and I think I'll only really get a sense of the scale of what I've achieved when all this ends one day," Casemiro told ESPN.

"Playing alonside Luka Modric and Toni Kroos is a privilege.

"I'll value the fact I playrd with them for a long time and I'll tell my grandchildren I played with two exceptional players, two icons of the game."

The Brazil international also had high words of praise for another Madrid icon, Karim Benzema, who he feels is deserving of more recognition on an individual level.

"It's a privilege to play with Benzema and I really back him to win the Ballon d'Or," said Casemiro.

The 29-year-old was, of course, also asked about his compatriot Vinicius Junior, who has been getting rave reviews this season and is a teammate for club and country.

"What I can say is that Vinicius is on top form right now, a special period, and he's young as well, he's got so much potential for growth."

Casemiro has been a stalwart of the Madrid midfield for years now, under successive managers and he has been impressed by Carlo Ancelotti, whose first spell at the club ended just when he was breaking into the team.

"He's 62 years old, has been in football over 40 years and won everything, but his determination to win and share his experience with us every day is incredible," said Casemiro.