Casemiro breaks down in tears over 'difficult' Man Utd decision

Updated: 22 Jun 2026 14:42 BST | 5 min read

Tom Weber | Writer

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

Departing Manchester United midfielder Casemiro was overcome by emotion as he bid farewell to the club ahead of his move to Inter Miami.

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The Brazil international is currently at the World Cup with the Selecao, having played his final match for Man Utd last month. Casemiro waived the automatic extension in his deal and will depart the club when his contract expires on 30 June.

Man Utd had explored a renewal on reduced terms, but both parties ultimately agreed to part ways after four up-and-down years. Though he finished his time at Old Trafford on a high, Casemiro's €70 million signing wasn't always seen as a success.

Current ETV

Casemiro

DM, M (C)

Man Utd

Casemiro

DM, M (C)

Man Utd

ETV Range

€5.4M - €7.3M

The highs and lows of the past four years helped the midfielder forge a strong bond with Man Utd. This was evident during his final games with the club when he became visibly emotional after being serenaded by supporters.

In a farewell documentary released by Man Utd, Casemiro can once again be seen overcome by emotion as he says goodbye to the club and the Red Devils faithful.

Casemiro on Man Utd exit

The 34-year-old broke down in tears when asked about his feelings heading into his final game for Man Utd. "I need to say thank you because it was four unbelievable years," he expressed after composing himself. "I love this club, the fans, the people. Thank you so much."

Casemiro described the occasion as "very special and emotional," a sentiment that was echoed by his wife, Anna, who admitted that the decision to depart Man Utd was anything but straightforward.

Casemiro looked visibly emotional at full-time, wiping away tears 💔

You can see how much the club means to him and the love from United fans is mutual 🔴#MUFC pic.twitter.com/rz8IVtTuVU
— Stretford Paddock (@StretfordPaddck) April 27, 2026

"As a family, we talked a lot and had to make this difficult decision," she explained. "But I think it feels like the end of a very beautiful chapter, as I told Casemiro and our family."

During his final games for the club, supporters were often heard chanting "one more year," which left a lasting impression on the family. "I think everything about this moment has been beautiful, right? His chant feels like a declaration of love for him.

"For us, there’s an emptiness in leaving. The love we are receiving through that song means so much," Anna added.

Casemiro set for Miami

Casemiro is expected to join Inter Miami as a free agent after informing his other suitors that he wants to move to Florida to play alongside Lionel Messi. Over the weekend, Fabrizio Romano claimed that the deal was done after a full verbal agreement had been reached.

However, other reporters have since cast doubt on this. Some claim that terms with Miami have been in place for weeks, while others suggest that nothing is officially done yet because the main hurdle still needs to be overcome.

Miami can't make Casemiro's signing official until they have compensated the LA Galaxy for his Discovery Rights, which are meant to ensure that Major League Soccer clubs don't negotiate for the same player.

The Galaxy made several contract offers for the Brazilian, but he had his heart set on Miami after they made contact with him and he visited the city. The Herons simply disregarded the Discovery Rights process, which isn't totally unusual, to be fair.

The Galaxy did the same thing with Marco Reus in 2024. However, according to the Daily Mail, this hasn't stopped them from crying foul. They are allegedly asking MLS to fine Miami for breaching Discovery Rights rules.

The most interesting part of all this is that Miami will have to do a fair bit of roster gymnastics in order to acquire Casemiro's rights from the Galaxy. They have no General Allocation Money to spare, nor any international spots, so they may have to trade draft picks or players.

There is also the question of Casemiro's contract. Because Miami do not have any open Designated Player spots, the midfielder will have to take a monumental pay cut to fit within MLS's stringent roster regulations.

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