It's taken two years, but Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has finally responded to heavy criticism from Jamie Carragher in 2024. The Brazilian was told he should 'leave football' after a string of poor performances in the 2023-24 season.
He has already confirmed that this will be his final season in the famous red shirt, with many fans vocalising their desire for the five-time Champions League winner to stay. At 34 years old, however, Casemiro has decided it's the right time to end his four-year stay at the club.
It comes after a rejuvenation in the middle of the park, which has seen Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes perform admirably since Michael Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim. The Brazil international has even been vital in the box, netting nine league goals this term.
Jamie Carragher Told Casemiro to Quit Old Trafford
Jamie Carragher Sky Sports
Back in 2024, however, it was a completely different story. The former Real Madrid stalwart looked to have lost a yard of pace and he was struggling to protect the United backline.
Following a damaging 4-0 defeat against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, Carragher slammed the veteran and claimed he was no longer good enough for the English top-flight. Speaking on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football coverage, he said:
"I think Casemiro should know tonight that he should only have another three games left at the top level. The next two league games and the cup final, then he should be thinking, I need to go to the MLS or Saudi.
"This has to stop because we are watching one of the greats of the modern time. I always remember the saying 'leave the football before the football leaves you'. The football has left him. At this top level, he needs to call it a day at this level and move."
The 'leave the football before the football leaves you' line quickly went viral and is still heavily referenced two years later. Now, it is often used as a way to prove Carragher got it wrong, which he has since admitted.
Casemiro Fires Liverpool Dig at Carragher
Casemiro | Manchester United
In a recent interview with TNT Sports Brazil, Casemiro has now finally responded to the harsh comments from the pundit. He aimed a cheeky dig at Liverpool in the process, which Man Utd fans will love.
"Everyone says whatever they want on television. I’m not someone who gets involved in that," he said. The holding midfielder then went on to label Carragher 'bitter' while reminding everyone that he beat his old side in two European finals. He stated:
"But it’s a bit normal, because I won two Champions League titles over his team. Maybe after you win two titles against his club, there’s still some bitterness there."
He did go on to say that he still respects Carragher's opinion, but he doesn't take much notice of outside noise as 'everyone wants to go viral'. Casemiro added:
"I respect his opinion. I don’t hold any resentment. The important thing is that he recognised he was wrong and changed his opinion. That’s what matters most.
"Nowadays, everyone has an opinion, everyone wants to go viral. Everyone thinks they know football, everyone thinks they’re a star, everyone thinks they understand everything. Today if you win, you’re the best and if you lose, you’re the worst. But football isn’t always like that."
Statistics in this article are courtesy of Transfermarkt. Correct as of 06-05-26.