Casemiro hands Man United a transfer headache as he reveals his stance on move away from Old Trafford amid big-money Saudi Arabia links
Manchester United star Casemiro has claimed that he wants to see out his contract at the club despite interest from Saudi Arabia.
Casemiro, who joined from Real Madrid in 2022 for £60million, has struggled for game time this season and has frequently found himself on the bench since Ruben Amorim’s arrival.
The Brazilian made his first start for the side since December during their 1-0 defeat by Tottenham on Sunday, however struggled in the match as they slumped to a loss.
Despite this, Casemiro has insisted that he feels that he ‘has a lot of life yet’ amid rumours that he could be looking for an exit route in the summer window.
In an interview with Spanish outlet AS, he said: ‘I have to keep doing what I’m doing, with a lot of respect and education. Of course I’d like to play more, of course.
‘I don’t know any player who doesn’t want to play and help. Also, I’d like to help the club at this time. I approach things with respect for my teammates and the technical committee.
Manchester United star Casemiro has insisted that he wants to see out his deal at the club
The midfielder, who earns £350k-a-week, has fallen out of favour since Ruben Amorim’s arrival
‘And above all, I respect United, a club to which I’m very grateful. I have a year and a half left on my contract and I’d like to fulfil it here in Manchester.
‘I’m comfortable here and so is my family. They’ve adapted, we speak English. I’m very grateful to the Old Trafford fans and to the club. I’m happy at club level.
‘I’m young and I still have a lot of life left. I’m now 33 years old and in this era I’m 28 years old. Nutrition, physical preparation, everything lengthens a footballer’s career if you take care of yourself.
‘That’s why Cristiano [Ronaldo] at 40 years old continues to score 50 goals a season’.
Last month, Mail Sport revealed that the Brazilian was attracting interest from Saudi Arabian clubs Al-Nassr and Al-Qadsiah.
Al-Ittihad were keen on the 32-year-old last summer, however, most Saudi clubs have their full quota of foreign players now and needed to sell last month before they could bring in new recruits.
It was understood that United would have been willing to sell the Brazilian, who is one of the club’s highest earners with his £350,000-a-week deal at Old Trafford.
The midfielder insisted that his family, including wife Anna Mariana, are settled in Manchester
Casemiro’s family have regularly been spotted cheering on the midfielder while at United
The 32-year-old made a rare start for the Red Devils in their 1-0 defeat by Tottenham
During the same interview, Casemiro reflected on rumours that former teammate Vinicius Jr could also make a move to Saudi Arabia – amid reports of a huge bid being prepared.
Reports recently claimed the Madrid winger met with officials from the Saudi Pro League as they look to make the Real Madrid star their latest high-profile acquisition.
He said: ‘If I were to speak to you as a fan, I would tell you to look at how important it is to make history in football, in your career.
‘You have already done so up to now, but at your age you have a long way to go to continue making it. But it is a very personal decision. As a fan, the nice thing is to continue watching you with Real Madrid’.
