This season, Casemiro has been a key figure in securing Champions League qualification under manager Michael Carrick. The 34-year-old has played 33 league matches and scored 9 goals, delivering an impressive performance as a defensive midfielder, marking a strong finish to his four-year tenure at Manchester United.
However, after Manchester United’s humiliating 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in May 2024, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher publicly declared that Casemiro’s top-level career was over. Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher stated, “Players know the saying: leave before football leaves you. Well, now football has left him. At his current level, he no longer belongs in the top flight. It’s time for him to step aside.”
Two years later, the five-time Champions League winner is enjoying his best season in the Premier League. Rio Ferdinand revisited the topic on his show, asking Casemiro about Carragher’s comments, prompting a strong response.
In an interview on the *Rio Ferdinand Presents* podcast, Casemiro said, “That’s just his opinion. I respect freedom of speech, but I didn’t like it because it was very disrespectful to me. I’ve won a lot of honors in football. Football changes, life changes. Just look at the situation now. My mindset is good, I’m in form, and people are starting to miss the peak Casemiro. I decided to leave the club this summer, and I’m turning the page at my best, just like I did at Real Madrid. After I left, everyone missed me and that team. That’s how life is—people are forgetful, but the most important thing is always the mindset.”
Before joining United, Casemiro spent eight and a half years at Real Madrid, winning La Liga, the Champions League, and countless other honors. He has confirmed he will leave the club this summer, despite many fans calling for him to stay.
Notably, Carragher has already admitted he was wrong. In February, after seeing Casemiro’s resurgence under Carrick, Carragher changed his tune: “I have to admit, football hasn’t left him. Casemiro has every right to tell me: ‘You should retire from punditry before your analysis declines.’ He’s a completely different player now, still at the top level, and deserves respect.”