Outgoing Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has confirmed his departure from the club is final and is now urging Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti to include Neymar in the World Cup squad, believing the veteran forward could be the team's match-winner this summer.
Neymar, 34, has been absent from international duty since suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee two-and-a-half years ago. The country's record goalscorer required minor surgery on the same knee late last year and underwent a further procedure during the March international break.
Having left Al-Hilal nearly 18 months ago, Neymar returned to his boyhood club Santos, where he has rediscovered his form and fitness. He has scored in back-to-back games just days before Ancelotti announces his Brazil squad.
Casemiro's Plea for Neymar
Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel, Casemiro made a passionate case for Neymar's inclusion. "My decision, yes, but the decision you need to make first is tell him, 'hey, Neymar, you don't play every game,'" Casemiro said. "He plays every game. For me, it's not perfect for him, I think he comes, and the game is not finished, the game is new, new. And a special assist, a special goal is the role for him."
Ferdinand added that Neymar "could change the game," and Casemiro agreed: "Yeah, change the game, and we don't have this player in this moment, we don't have, so, for me, in my opinion yes, but it's Ancelotti's decision."
Relationship with Ancelotti
Casemiro also spoke about his close bond with Ancelotti, who brought the midfielder back into the Brazil setup last year after a long absence. "I have good, very good feelings with him. He's my friend, he's my friend. I know what he likes, what he doesn't like, I know everything. I've known Ancelotti for a long time, he's been my friend for a long time, so I know sometimes I push here, I don't push here, I know everything about Ancelotti," Casemiro said.
He added: "Ancelotti is in the top three in the world. In the last 15 years, he's been the best. He's the best, so Ancelotti is not just my manager, he's my friend."
When asked what makes the Italian coach special, Casemiro explained: "For me, the first thing is that he talks about what the players like to lose. You know? What the players like. 'I give you one thing, you give me this'. But it's impossible to win with just a good manager, you need a good tactic, tactical. You need to know about this; it's impossible to have just one good thing. For winning trophies, you need everything, but for me, the best thing is a very good manager, he understands the players."
Manchester United Exit Confirmed
Casemiro, who will become a free agent this summer, has reiterated that his decision to leave Manchester United is irreversible. He told ESPN: "I don't think there's a chance, there's no chance, mostly because of what I said, you know? Go out the big door. I think it was four beautiful, wonderful years, and I am eternally grateful not only to the club, but to the fans, but I think I have to leave on good terms, I have to go out on top. I will be an eternal United fan here in England, and I just have to thank all the love from the fans."
The 34-year-old had announced his intention to leave at the start of the calendar year and has made it clear there will be no U-turn. As a free agent, he will have the opportunity to choose his next club carefully, with a potential reunion with Ancelotti at Brazil's World Cup campaign now in focus.
