‘I’m Hoping’—Casemiro Makes Emotional Man Utd Admission

Manchester United fans made clear their feelings towards the Brazilian veteran.

Casemiro has a special relationshop with Man Utd fans. | Lee Parker/CameraSport/Getty Images

Casemiro has admitted he is “hoping not to cry” when he plays his last Manchester United game next month, set to leave the club at the end of the season.

The Brazilian’s planned summer departure upon the expiry of his contract was announced in January, making this a lengthy farewell to a club where he has become a cult hero since 2022.

Casemiro’s form this season has been arguably his best in a United shirt, although his intention to move into the sunset of his career elsewhere—perhaps Saudi Arabia or Major League Soccer—hasn’t wavered despite chants of “one more year” from fans at Old Trafford.

In an interview with United’s club media this week, a “grateful” Casemiro called it “an honor for us to listen to the fans’ love and affection.” He said he will remember the supporters “for the rest of my life.”

Casemiro added: “Lots of people think it is just the last few months, since the announcement, but I have to be thankful, since the very first day that I arrived here, the fans have been amazing with me and my family.

“It’s just gratitude for this love, it is so exciting. I am hoping not to cry on my last day, as it is such a beautiful experience. My wife already cried, the other day, when the fans were asking for one more year. I just want to enjoy it, enjoy all the moments and I will be a United fan for the rest of my life.”

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Casemiro’s Final Seven Man Utd Games

Casemiro will leave Man Utd this summer. | Marc Atkins/Getty Images

Casemiro, a Carabao Cup and FA Cup winner, has just seven games left as a Manchester United player in which he will hope to leave a legacy of Champions League qualification behind—it should trigger the start of a fresh chapter for the club after a difficult few years.

The 34-year-old has been one of the first names on the teamsheet all season, whether under Ruben Amorim, Darren Fletcher or Michael Carrick. He is therefore expected to start each remaining match, with a clause in his contract triggering a 12-month extension reported to have been removed. That clause would have been activated with 35 Premier League starts, which Casemiro can still reach.

United haven’t played since March 20 because of the international break, but still have another gap of almost two weeks until facing rivals Leeds United on April 13.

Further games in April follow against Chelsea, which could all but seal Champions League qualification, and Brentford. In May, the Red Devils face Liverpool, Sunderland, Nottingham Forest and Brighton & Hove Albion.

Casemiro will say his final goodbyes to fans after the Forest clash at Old Trafford on May 17.

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