Casemiro speaks out on Man United exit U-turn after team-mate plea | Football | Sport

Casemiro has declared there is “no chance” he will be remaining at Manchester United. Back in January, the Brazilian midfielder confirmed he would be departing Old Trafford at the conclusion of the current campaign.

Since then, he has established himself as an invaluable asset under Michael Carrick, netting some crucial goals and proving the ideal midfield partner for the resurgent Kobbie Mainoo. United supporters have been chanting “One more year, one more year, Casemiro,” throughout the season, a gesture that appeared to visibly move the former Real Madrid star’s wife at the end of the win over Liverpool.

Matheus Cunha also recently offered some supporters a glimmer of hope that Casemiro might stay, saying “you never know” while hinting at his desire for his team-mate to remain. Nevertheless, the midfield stalwart has personally confirmed he will depart Old Trafford with his head held high when the season draws to a close.

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Speaking to ESPN, when quizzed on whether he might yet remain at the club, Casemiro replied: “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.”

This will prove a significant blow for Cunha in particular, who recently said: “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.”

Carrick has also urged the United faithful to savour Casemiro’s displays and commitment as much as possible between now and the conclusion of the season. The United interim manager remarked: “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.

“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.”

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