‘Eternal respect’ – Casemiro announces he’s leaving Man United in emotional statement

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has announced that he will be leaving the club when his contract expires this summer.

The Brazilian joined Man United from Real Madrid in 2022 and has gone on to make 146 appearances so far in a Red Devils shirt.

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His impending exit was confirmed by the club on Thursday, with the club releasing a statement on his decision.

Casemiro said to United’s website: “I will carry Manchester United with me throughout my entire life.

“From the first day that I walked out at this beautiful stadium, I felt the passion of Old Trafford and the love that I now share with our supporters for this special club.

“It is not time to say goodbye; there are many more memories to create during the next four months.

“We still have a lot to fight for together; my complete focus will, as always, remain on giving my everything to help our club to succeed.”

Casemiro also posted an emotional statement of his own on social media, with a video compilation of his time at United.

“I have decided that this will be my last four months at Old Trafford,” he began in the video, which included a compilation of his best moments.

He then finished: “Eternally grateful. Forever Red Devil.”

The caption of the 33-year-old’s post read: “Knowing when stages come to an end. Knowing when to say goodbye when you feel that you will be remembered and respected forever.

“Four months to give my all for this badge and for our goal. Eternal respect and affection for Manchester United and its wonderful fans.”

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Casemiro’s Man United career

Casemiro joined Man United from Real Madrid in 2022 under Erik ten Hag for a fee of around £60million.

The five-time Champions League winner added plenty of experience and aggression to the Red Devils’ midfield.

Over the next four seasons, he played 146 games in all competitions, with 97 of those coming in the Premier League.

He has won the FA Cup and Carabao Cup with United, scoring in the final of the latter in 2023 to help secure some silverware.

Man United have confirmed that fans will be able to pay tribute to the veteran in his last game at Old Trafford later this year.

The club wrote in their statement: “Supporters will have the opportunity to recognise Casemiro’s contributions at the final home game of the season, against Nottingham Forest.

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What else has Casemiro said about his exit?

Speaking to the fans about his time at Man United, Casemiro said: “From my presentation, my first day since I arrived at the airport, everybody, the fans have been very warm with me. Not just with me, but with my whole family.

“The day I first came into the stadium, the fans were already singing my name and my song, and I will never forget this.

“This club means so much. Not just for me but for all my family.

“It is so special and I will always carry this club with me for all my life.

“I will always be a Manchester United fan, my whole family too. In England, I am red. I am a Manchester United fan till death.

“So all I want to say is thank you for everything.”