Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro admits he was intimidated by coach Zinedine Zidane during their first days together.

The Brazil international, however, says their relationship now is much stronger.

Casemiro revealed: "I was embarrassed to talk with him, today it's more natural.

"Sometimes, when we miss a player in training, he comes to play and he is the best player!"

Casemiro has established himself as a first-choice under Zidane over the past 12 months.