‘Gave me loads of titles & goals!’ - Casemiro forever in Cristiano Ronaldo’s debt after working with ‘all-time best’ at Real Madrid & Man Utd

The Brazil international midfielder moved to Santiago Bernabeu in 2013, with CR7 very much the star attraction in the Spanish capital by that point. Casemiro would go on to savour La Liga, Champions League and Club World Cup glory alongside Ronaldo.

The pair were briefly reunited at Old Trafford in 2022, prior to Ronaldo’s stunning release as a free agent, and they will always boast a close bond. Casemiro has told United’s official website of Ronaldo: “He gave me loads of titles and goals. So, it’s a pleasure to talk about Cris. In my generation, he was top three in the world. Without a doubt, he’s one of football’s all-time best.”

Casemiro has also been discussing the midfield stars that influenced him growing up, with Red Devils legend Paul Scholes and ex-Real Madrid player and coach Zinedine Zidane among his favourites. The South American said: “Those two definitely marked an era, specifically Paul Scholes, who played here. I think he’s one of the best footballers to look up to. And Zidane due to his talent, especially.”

Casemiro is still on United’s books, with his contract due to run until 2026, but questions have been asked of the 32-year-old’s future as he has less of an influence on Erik ten Hag’s side and the Red Devils prepare for a big summer of comings and goings now that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s partial takeover of the club has been completed.