Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Casemiro jokes about Ronaldo after hinting at true Man Utd feelings towards mid-season exit

Former Man Utd striker Cristiano Ronaldo and midfielder Casemiro

Casemiro wished long-time teammate Cristiano Ronaldo all the luck in the world except in one scenario, and hinted at the true feelings of the Man Utd squad regarding his exit.

The pair reunited at Old Trafford this summer following Casemiro’s initial £60m arrival from Real Madrid. Ronaldo and the Brazilian had been teammates at the Bernabeu between 2013-18 during a spell that saw Real lift four Champions League titles in five years.

However, their reunion at Old Trafford lasted less than six months upon Ronaldo’s surprise mid-season exit.

His explosive interview with TalkTV was the catalyst behind the separation. Manchester United and their club legend mutually agreed to part ways, with Ronaldo foregoing the remainder of his salary. The Daily Mail reported that’s netted the club a saving of around £15m.

The hunt is on for a Ronaldo successor and one outlet have claimed an ‘agreement in principle’ has been struck with a lethal forward.

Elsewhere, Ronaldo has reportedly received his first formal offer and talks over his next move are said to be ‘relatively advanced’.

Casemiro and Ronaldo are both starring at the World Cup in Qatar and before the latter’s ill-fated saga can be laid to rest, Casemiro was asked about his now former teammate.

Casemiro breaks silence on Ronaldo exit

During a press conference, Casemiro seemed to suggest Ronaldo may have engineered his way out given he, above all, knows exactly what’s best for his career.

The midfielder also suggested “we are sad” when referring to how United have taken the exit. Whether he is truly speaking for the rest of the squad is open to debate, but it cannot be argued Ronaldo could certainly have helped the club achieve its aims this season during a condensed second half of the campaign.

Casemiro also joked he wishes Ronaldo all the best wherever he lands, unless he’s playing against him, of course.

“No, I didn’t text him afterwards,” said Casemiro when asked if he spoke with Ronaldo after the news broke (via the Manchester Evening News).

“But Cristiano is a very experienced guy, he knows what’s good for his career.

“Of course we are sad, especially in Manchester. When a player leaves, even more when you are talking about one of the best of all time.

“Cristiano is old enough and knows what is good for him. As a friend, I wish him all the luck in the world, that football goes well for him, except when he’s playing against me!

“I wish him all the luck in the world.”

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