- Casemiro confirms decision to leave
- Brazilian was speaking during international duties
- Presence will be sorely missed
Manchester United star Casemiro will not change his mind over extending his stay at Old Trafford, describing the decision as ‘made and done’.
United fans are keen on seeing Casemiro sign a new contract, but the player has now confirmed it will not happen. The midfielder is in fine form, with seven goals and excellent defensive displays to his name.
The former Real Madrid star is currently representing Brazil on international duty. He won the Man of the Match award in a 2-1 defeat to France.
Casemiro Confirms exit
Casemiro confirmed his plans to leave United after the defeat to France in the USA. United teammate Matheus Cunha also started the game. However, goals from Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike and Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe sealed the win for Les Bleus.
United fans have been keen on seeing Casemiro sign a new contract. However, the player has now confirmed it will not happen.
He said (via Adam Crafton):
“I am still enjoying it a lot (in Manchester). I believe the announcement is now done. It is huge, the affection that the fans have shown towards me.”
In recent games, the Old Trafford faithful have chanted ‘one more year Casemiro’ whenever they have had the chance to do so. His unexpected goalscoring form this campaign has made it even easier to appreciate exactly what United will miss when he is gone.
Casemiro added,
“But I do really believe the decision is made and done. I am enjoying myself right now. I believe it will be some difficult (emotional) moments, these (final) games at Manchester United.”
Casemiro Will Be a Big Miss
Ever since the joint decision was made in January, it has been highly unlikely he would change his mind. However, that did not stop United fans from using their voice to give Casemiro one more reason to know he will be missed in Manchester.
The club were just as keen to get rid of his weekly £350,000 per week wages as he turned 34 in February. In the modern game, his role demands high energy and young legs.
This is why the Red Devils have been linked to the likes of Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba so far. The former Madrid star is blessed with a high-level football brain. It has helped him position himself correctly without needing to be in four places at once.
Demanding this of a player in his mid-30s is unrealistic and was one of the reasons he struggled under Erik ten Hag. A degree of credit must be given to Ruben Amorim for recognising this and playing Bruno Fernandes next to him.
Casemiro finished this interview in the way that he ultimately began his Old Trafford career. Under Ten Hag, he helped the team finish third in the Premier League. He said:
“I feel like we are in a good dynamic right now in Manchester and my objective now is to get the club back into the Champions League.”
The veteran Brazilian will be eager to leave Old Trafford by helping the Reds clinch Champions League qualification. He might then be set for a move to Inter Miami to play alongside Lionel Messi.
