Casemiro responds to Cristiano Ronaldo's Manchester United exit

Casemiro has admitted that he is "sad" to see Cristiano Ronaldo leave Manchester United and has wished his former teammate "all the best in his football career".

The Brazil international played alongside Ronaldo at Real Madrid before becoming his teammate once again this season, with the midfielder moving to Man United from Los Blancos.

Man United released Ronaldo from his contract last week, though, with the 37-year-old becoming a free agent.

The club were forced into action following the explosive interview that the Portugal international gave to Piers Morgan.

During the discussion on TalkTV, Ronaldo was heavily critical of the 20-time English champions, including their owners the Glazer family, in addition to head coach Erik ten Hag.

© Reuters

Ronaldo is currently focusing on the 2022 World Cup, with the striker finding the back of the net in Portugal's 3-2 victory over Ghana in their tournament opener on Thursday.

However, he will be seeking a new club after the competition, with Sporting Lisbon and Chelsea among those linked with a move, while there is also said to be strong interest from Saudi Arabia.

Casemiro, meanwhile, is currently representing Brazil at the competition in Qatar, and the experienced midfielder was asked about Ronaldo during a press conference.

The 30-year-old said that he had not been in contact with his former teammate, but he is "sad" to see the Portuguese move away from the 20-time English champions.

© Reuters

"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," Casemiro told reporters.

"Of course we are sad a player like him is leaving because we are talking about one of the best players of all time. I wish him all the best in his football career - except when he plays against me - but I wish him all the best."

Man United were heavily linked with Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong over the summer before being forced to drop their interest late in the transfer window.

Casemiro was ultimately signed by the Red Devils on August 22, and he has been a key player for his English club during the 2022-23 campaign, making 18 appearances in all competitions, contributing one goal and one assist in the process.