Posted: 13:29, August 22, 2022 | Updated: 14:55, 22 August 2022
Casemiro has pleaded with Cristiano Ronaldo to stay at Manchester United ahead of his move to Old Trafford.
The 30-year-old midfielder will join United in a £70million deal from Real Madrid and is expected to be unveiled ahead of tonight’s clash with Liverpool.
Casemiro played alongside Ronaldo at Real and is hoping to reunite with the “incredible” forward in Manchester after winning a host of trophies with the Portuguese, including four Champions League titles.
Casemiro is keen for ‘incredible’ Cristiano Ronaldo to stay at Manchester United this season
The Brazilian bid an emotional farewell to Real Madrid during a press conference on Monday morning and was asked about Ronaldo’s situation at United.
He praised the Portuguese star, saying: “I haven’t spoken to Cristiano, I hope he stays because he’s one of the best players of all time. He is unbelievable.
“I want to bring my values to Manchester United, everything that Real Madrid taught me, to win from day to day, from every training session. I want to experience the Premier from the inside. I enjoy everything I have.’
Ronaldo told the club he wanted to leave earlier this summer and missed most of the pre-season, eager to leave Old Trafford for a Champions League side.
Casemiro and Ronaldo played alongside each other during their time at Real Madrid
The likes of Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid have turned down the chance to sign him and he could now stay in Manchester.
Meanwhile, Casemiro has hit back at those who claim he is moving to Old Trafford for financial gain, insisting he felt his time at Madrid was over after they won the Champions League in May.
“Those who think I’m leaving for money are because they don’t know me. I think they are few and they don’t know me. It’s not about money. They are wrong. It’s not like that,” he said.
The Brazilian midfielder is set to be one of United’s top earners alongside David de Gea
“At the end of the Champions League final I had the feeling that my cycle was over. I am honest. After the holidays, with a clear head, the feeling was the same. It wasn’t that fast. I already spoke to the club as soon as the Champions League ended.
“My wife supported me from the beginning. My family has always been by my side in this decision. It was very difficult to talk to the president, but he was always honest with him.’
Casemiro is expected to be one of the club’s top earners alongside David de Gea, with a £375,000-a-week contract on the table.
Manchester United will be hoping the signing of Casemiro will lift spirits at Old Trafford
He flew into Manchester on Monday afternoon and is set to be welcomed by United fans tonight when they host fierce rivals Liverpool.
United fans will be relieved their search for a new midfielder is over, despite manager Erik ten Hag missing out on top target Frankie de Jong.
The Red Devils are currently 19th in the Premier League and will be looking to pick up their first points of the season against Jurgen Klopp’s side, having been beaten by Brighton and Brentford in their opening two games.
