Casemiro has confirmed there is "no chance" he will remain at Manchester United beyond the current season, putting an end to speculation that he might reverse his earlier decision to leave. The Brazilian midfielder announced in January that he would depart Old Trafford at the conclusion of the campaign, and he has now reiterated that stance in a recent interview.
Since his announcement, Casemiro has become an instrumental figure under interim manager Michael Carrick, delivering vital goals and forming a formidable midfield partnership with the revitalised Kobbie Mainoo. United supporters have been chanting "One more year, one more year, Casemiro" throughout the campaign, a gesture that appeared to touch the former Real Madrid star's wife following a victory over Liverpool.
Casemiro's Statement on His Future
Speaking to ESPN, Casemiro addressed the possibility of staying at the club. "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 in 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," he said.
This confirmation will come as a blow to teammate Matheus Cunha, who had recently expressed hope that Casemiro might stay. "I play with him in the national team and I know how important he is. He's an amazing guy. And yeah, to have this guy in the dressing room is a privilege. We don't know in the end how it is with his contract, and then of course we, everyone, hopes there's a little bit more. Of course, I know it's harder than we talked about, but yeah, in the end, you never know," Cunha said.
Carrick's Tribute to Casemiro
Michael Carrick, who took over as interim manager, urged fans to savour Casemiro's contributions for the remainder of the season. "Case's had an influence within the group. He's got huge experience, he's a big player, he's achieved an awful lot in the game, and I have to say, since I've been here, he's given everything that he could possibly give," Carrick said.
"The situation's probably helped that, knowing exactly where it's at, there's nothing to hide and he's thrown himself right into it. It's football, you know, it's football. Some players have come and gone, players have come and left this football club over the years and you've got to evolve and you go with that. That's kind of the world we're in, but he's definitely given everything and I think it's nice that he's got that connection with the supporters and it comes from both ways because I know he's an emotional guy and it means a lot to him," Carrick added.
Casemiro's departure will mark the end of a four-year stint at Old Trafford, during which he became a fan favourite and a key figure in the midfield. As the season draws to a close, United supporters will have a few more opportunities to see the Brazilian in action before he walks out the "big door" with his dignity intact.
