Man Utd star Casemiro makes Cristiano Ronaldo admission

Tom Weber

2 Aug 2023 12:12 BST
3 min read

Manchester United star Casemiro has admitted that he is glad that he never had to play against ex-teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.

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The Portuguese megastar left Old Trafford in a huff late last year after an explosive interview with controversial TV host Piers Morgan saw his contract terminated. Before his departure, he had been playing alongside Casemiro, who was signed by United in the 2022 summer window for an eyebrow-raising €70.7 million.

The move reunited the two players after they had spent several successful years together at Real Madrid. While Ronaldo ultimately ended up in Saudi Arabia, signing for Al-Nassr and kickstarting a wave of big names heading to the Gulf state, Casemiro enjoyed a successful season at United.

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The Brazilian's masterful performances at the heart of midfield helped United lift the League Cup and return to the Champions League. This season, they aim to go one better and win the Premier League, but they are still trying to adequately replace Ronaldo.

This is easier said than done because, as Casemiro states, he is one of the best to have ever played.

© ProShots - Cristiano Ronaldo at Man Utd

What did Casemiro say?

Speaking to Brazilian outlet Placar, Casemiro revealed that the Portuguese is one of the best players he has played with and that he is grateful that he never had to face him on the pitch.

"I had the pleasure of seeing [Lionel] Messi, Cristiano and Neymar, who are the three greatest of my generation. I saw [the Brazilian] Ronaldo, I saw Zinedine Zidane but, without a doubt, these three are the best of my time."

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"I never played against Cristiano, thank God! He gave me many titles and victories." Indeed, the two won several Champions Leagues together at Real Madrid as well as a LaLiga title, but there was little chance of success at United as Ronaldo and Erik ten Hag never managed to see eye to eye.