Manchester United star Casemiro has branded Jamie Carragher's infamous comment “disrespectful” after the pundit told him to leave the club in 2024. The experienced midfielder has since silenced his critics after enjoying a resurgence at Old Trafford.
The Brazil captain has been instrumental in Michael Carrick’s side securing a Champions League place this term. Casemiro has scored nine goals in 33 league games from defensive midfield to end his four-year stint on a positive note.
However, the 34-year-old previously endured tough spells of form at United. Following a 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in May 2024, Liverpool legend Carragher claimed that Casemiro’s time as an elite player was over.
"There’s a saying I always remember as a footballer, 'Leave the football before the football leaves you,'" Carragher said on Sky Sports. “The football has left him. At this top level, he needs to call it a day at this level and move."
Two years on, the five-time Champions League winner has arguably produced his best season in English football. However, Casemiro has hit back at Carragher after being reminded of his “leave the football before the football leaves you” verdict by former United defender Rio Ferdinand, who has also been feuding with his ex-England teammate.
“So... It's your opinion. I respect your opinion. I don't like it because it's disrespectful. It's disrespectful to me,” Casemiro said on the Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel. “What I win in football. But football changes. Life changes. Life changes. So, look now. It's about this. For me, the best thing in this moment we speak in Spain is I live in the big dark. I live in a good feeling.
“Everyone misses Casemiro. You know? About this, I decided to leave because I live in good. Because it's the same in Madrid. Everyone misses me there. Everyone misses this team. Now, it's the same. So, life changes.
“It's the life. Everyone forgets very quick. Everyone forgets very quick. But, again, the mentality.”
Before joining United, Casemiro spent eight-and-a-half years with Real Madrid, winning numerous major trophies, including three La Liga titles and five Champions League triumphs. Earlier this season, the Brazilian confirmed he would be leaving United in the summer, despite calls to extend his stay.
While Casemiro has fired back at Carragher, the pundit has already admitted his mistake. In February, the 48-year-old revisited his stinging criticism of the United midfielder after a string of impressive performances under new boss Carrick.
"It is now fair to say the football has not left him," Carragher told Sky Sports. "Casemiro is well within his rights to, if he wants to come back at me and say, 'Leave the punditry before the punditry's left you!' He could definitely get one of those back in. Credit to him, he looks a completely different player."
