Casemiro has firmly ruled out the possibility of remaining at Manchester United for an additional season, stating that there is 'no chance' of extending his stay at Old Trafford. The Brazilian midfielder, who turns 35 later this year, wants to depart the club 'through the front door' after four successful years.
Contract Option Not Activated
Manchester United had the option to trigger a one-year extension in Casemiro's contract, but the club confirmed in January that the 34-year-old would leave at the end of the current campaign. Despite calls from fans and teammate Matheus Cunha for him to stay, Casemiro remains resolute in his decision.
Casemiro's Statement
'I don't think there's a chance, there's no chance,' Casemiro told ESPN Brasil. 'It's leaving through the front door. It's been four beautiful, wonderful years, and I'm eternally grateful not only to the club, but to the fans. I think if there's one thing I'll cherish most from these four years here, it's having the fans with me. But no, I think it's over. The cycle has ended here.'
Casemiro has been one of United's standout performers this season, forming a strong midfield partnership with Kobbie Mainoo under manager Michael Carrick. He emphasized the importance of leaving on a high note.
Future Plans
'I'm moving on to a new chapter in my career. I still have to decide where I'm going. But I think I have to leave on a high note, I have to leave on top. I will be a lifelong United supporter here in England and I can only thank all the fans for their affection,' he added.
Regarding his next destination, Casemiro said: 'My priority is to talk to my family and see what they want. When I mentioned coming to Manchester United, they were the first to support me. My whole family was the first to support me, so even though they always say they'll follow me and that we'll be happy wherever I go, I need to talk to them. I need to think things through with them, because decision-making is very important right now.'
Emotional Farewell
Reflecting on his time at Old Trafford, Casemiro said: 'In Spain, they have a saying: 'to leave through the front door.' And that's always been one of the coolest things I've tried to convey through the clubs I've played for. It's been really great, really exciting. With each game that gets closer, it gives you that pang in your heart, that emotion. But it's been beautiful. All the games, the training sessions too, the day-to-day. I think it's been a really beautiful story, especially this ending.'
He added: '[Creating a connection with the fans] is one of the goals when you arrive at such a big club. Of course, in the end, you imagine one thing and things just happen. But this departure has been almost too perfect. I'm enjoying it, I'm enjoying it a lot, and I'm eternally grateful for what I've experienced here and for what I'm experiencing at such a big club as United.'
Casemiro's departure marks the end of an era for United, with the midfielder leaving as a fan favorite after helping the club secure silverware during his tenure.
