Carlo Ancelotti appeared to aim a brutal underhand dig at Manchester United while confirming Casemiro will leave Real Madrid in this summer's transfer window.
The decorated Italian manager announced to the press on Friday that the Brazilian wants to embark on a new challenge and has already said his goodbyes to his Real Madrid teammates in preparation for his exit.
Ancelotti failed to name Man United as the club Casemiro will be joining, but appeared to aim a brutal dig at the Old Trafford club nonetheless when stating he can't understand why a player would want to leave the European champions for a "struggling side".
Ancelotti said: "Casemiro wants to try a new challenge, and I and the club understand that. After all, he's done for this club, we need to respect his decision. Casemiro is leaving but we have a lot of resources to replace him.
"There is no turning back, Casemiro has decided to try a new challenge. We want to wish him the very best. Just yesterday I realised that Casemiro is leaving, but our plans don't change - we'll compete for everything with or without Casemiro.
"I think Casemiro has been a key player for us, he was important to [Toni] Kroos and [Luka] Modric - the combination was key to success.
"Casemiro's teammates understand his decision, they respect it - it was his will to try a new challenge and we have to accept it. I can't reply to why Casemiro traded European Champions for a struggling side, it's his personal decision."
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Man United had been in hot pursuit of Frenkie de Jong this summer and even agreed on a fee for the player with Barcelona but were unable to convince the Dutchman to trade La Liga for the Premier League.
The Red Devils then targetted Adrien Rabiot, with Juventus open to selling the Frenchman, but Man United were unable to agree on a fair wage packet for the midfielder with his agent and mother, Veronique.
United's interest in Casemiro emerged suddenly on the back of consecutive defeats by Brighton and Brentford, and the Red Devils have moved quickly to all but get the transfer over the line.
The Brazilian will be unable to feature for United in their upcoming derby clash with Liverpool but should be available for selection in Erik ten Hag's side in the following game week.
