Manchester United midfielder Casemiro says he is “sad” to see Cristiano Ronaldo leave Old Trafford but has wished him well for the future.
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The Brazilian star was speaking ahead of his country’s game with Switzerland on Monday after their 2-0 win over Serbia on Thursday. Casemiro and Ronaldo were long-time teammates at Real Madrid, the duo won a number of trophies in Spain.
Their reunion at Carrington has lasted only three months, though, after Ronaldo’s contract was terminated on Tuesday following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan in which he said he felt “betrayed” by the club & had no respect for Erik ten Hag.
Ronaldo scored from the spot in Portugal’s 3-2 victory over Ghana on Thursday to become the first player to score in five separate World Cups.
In Saturday’s press conference, Casemiro was asked about the exit of former United teammate Ronaldo, who he could meet in the knockouts.
“I haven’t exchanged any messages with him, but Cristiano Ronaldo is a player with great experience, and he knows what’s best for his career,” he said. “Of course we are sad a player like him is leaving because we are talking about one of the best players of all time.”
He added, smiling: “I wish him all the best in his football career – except when he plays against me – but I wish him all the best.” Casemiro played the full 90 minutes in Brazil’s win over Serbia.
“I haven’t exchanged any messages with him, but Cristiano Ronaldo is a player with great experience, and he knows what’s best for his career,” he said. “Of course we are sad a player like him is leaving because we are talking about one of the best players of all time.”
On Neymar’s injury, Casemiro said: “It’s a shame, but there are people in the world who wish evil on someone else. “I feel sorry for him. We are all people.
“When you wish something bad for someone else it is serious. “Neymar is a person who helps others a lot, who has a very big heart. Neymar does not deserve this.
“He is an exceptional player, one of the best in the world. “I have the privilege of playing with him here. “He won’t be able to play the next game, unfortunately, and losing a player like that is difficult. “It’s up to Tite to find a replacement.
