Casemiro explains decision to leave Manchester United at the end of the season | Football

Manchester United have confirmed that midfielder Casemiro will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Casemiro joined United from Real Madrid for £70million in August 2022, helping the Red Devils win the Carabao Cup in his first season at the club, and the FA Cup the following season.

The 33-year-old has made 146 appearances for United, including 21 so far this season.

The Brazilian does have a one-year extension option in his contract, but the club have decided not to activate it.

‘I will carry Manchester United with me throughout my entire life,’ Casemiro said.

‘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.’

After an impressive start to life at Old Trafford, Casemiro’s form dipped under Erik ten Hag, with the midfielder falling further down the pecking order after Ruben Amorim’s arrrival.

The Brazil international was one of five players mentioned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe last year, when United’s co-owner said the club had players in their squad who were ‘not good enough’ and ‘overpaid’.

Casemiro appeared close to an exit last summer amid interest from Saudi Arabia, but the midfielder stayed at Old Trafford and eventually worked his way back into favour under Amorim.

He also started for Michael Carrick in his first game as interim boss last weekend against Manchester City.

Explaining his decision to leave after four seasons at the club, Casemiro said he was looking for a ‘new chapter’.

‘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,’ he said in a video released by United confirming the news.

‘In England, I am red, I am Manchester United until death. So all I want to say is: thank you for everything.

‘It isn’t a goodbye, it is just a new chapter in my life, I will always be with Manchester United.

‘Thank you, thank you everyone that made this time in my life so special, especially the fans. I will never forget my song! Thank you very much.’

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