New Manchester United signing Casemiro is a player who has shared a close relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo amid the Portuguese star’s attempts to leave the club.
Ronaldo remains determined to depart the Red Devils this summer after just one season back at Old Trafford following his high-profile return from Juventus last year after 12 years away. He has been attempting to force through an exit for two months.
The 37-year-old came on as a second half substitute in the Premier League opening day defeat against Brighton as he was not deemed fit enough to start. He was restored to the starting line-up for the humiliating four-goal loss at Brentford on Saturday evening. Ronaldo snubbed a request from the club’s assistant coach Steve McClaren to acknowledge the travelling United fans after the game – showing the disillusion engulfing the club.
Yet new United signing Casemiro – whose arrival was confirmed on Friday evening – will see Ronaldo gain a close ally at the club. United paid an initial fee of £60million plus a further £10m in potential add-ons to sign the Brazilian international. United had made a deal for the Madrid star their prime focus after their moves for Adrien Rabiot and Frenkie de Jong broke down.
Casemiro and Ronaldo were teammates at Real Madrid between 2013 and 2018, save for the 2014-15 season that the midfielder spent on loan at FC Porto. The Brazilian regularly spoke of his admiration for Ronaldo as a teammate and his status among the very best ever footballers.
Whenever Madrid midfielder Luka Modric, who Casemiro played alongside, won the Ballon d’Or crown told in 2018, the Brazilian stated that Ronaldo may have been a worthy winner of that year’s gong.
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Casemiro told Spanish media outlet AS that year: "I think the year Luka has had has been spectacular. [But] I’d give it to Cristiano for everything he achieved last season." The midfielder also heaped praise on Ronaldo following his memorable overhead kick goal at Juventus in the Champions League in 2018. Ironically, the Portuguese superstar was to join the Italian club later that year.
Casemiro said at the time: "Speaking about Cristiano is… we’re always talking about him and I’ve got something I like to say which is: keep enjoying the best in the world and how he plays the game, because what he does is unbelievable. The wonder goal he scored… he’s the best in the world.
"We have to keep enjoying his football, his goals, he’s hard work and leadership in the dressing room. The longer he is with us, the better."
Casemiro, who is also joining his former Madrid teammate Raphael Varane at Old Trafford, is now set to be reunited with Ronaldo at his new club – although it is unclear if the two will ever play together at the club due to the Portuguese star’s uncertain future.
