Casemiro has hinted that he is unsure of Cristiano Ronaldo ’s Manchester United future with the Brazilian closing in on a switch to Old Trafford.
The Red Devils have already confirmed that they have agreed a £59m deal for the five-time Champions League winner, and he is set to pen a four-year deal in the North West. Reports have suggested that he will officially be presented as a Man Utd player ahead of Monday evening’s showdown with Liverpool.
Before that, he has said his goodbyes to Real Madrid - the midfielder having enjoyed a hugely successful period at the Santiago Bernabeu since a switch from Brazilian outfit Sao Paulo back in 2013.
As it stands, the 30-year-old is set to be reunited with Ronaldo at Old Trafford - the pair having played together in Spain, but there appears to be some doubt with Ronaldo having expressed his desire to depart the club this summer.
Ahead of arriving in Manchester, Casemiro has said that he is looking forward to taking to the pitch once more with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner but stopped short of confirming if Ronaldo will still be at Old Trafford. As quoted by El Chiringuito, he said: "I haven't spoken to Cristiano but I'm very excited to play with him, hopefully he stays."
Ronaldo currently has just one year remaining on his current contract with United having only returned from Serie A giants Juventus 12 months ago. He scored 24 goals in all competitions for the Red Devils last term.
Will Cristiano Ronaldo still be at Man Utd after the transfer window? Share your thoughts in the comments below
As it stands, it looks difficult for the Portuguese to seal an exit from the club in the near future with potential suitors such as Atletico Madrid, Chelsea and Bayern Munich having all fallen out of the race for his services.
Whilst there is current doubt as to Ronaldo’s destination after September’s deadline, Casemiro is assured to be a Man Utd player. He hailed Real Madrid for the period he spent at the club ahead of rubber-stamping his move to Old Trafford.
“When I left Sao Paulo, it was clear to me that I would play in Real Madrid's first team. Here I built my life, my family,” he said in an emotional press conference. “The greatest title I have achieved is coming to train every morning at this club.
“As you know, I don't like the spotlight or being in the spotlight, I'll try to speak from my heart. If I talk about teammates, I can't not talk about: Modric and Kroos. We've won a lot and we've really enjoyed playing together.”
Casemiro concluded: “I am excited to develop at a big club like Manchester United. I'm sure one day I'll come back. I want to give back all the love they gave me.”