Casemiro calls Carraghers comments disrespectful

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro described comments from pundit Jamie Carragher as "disrespectful" in a recent interview, two years after Carragher suggested the Brazilian retire from top-level football following a heavy defeat.

The exchange stems from May 2024, when Manchester United lost 4-0 to Crystal Palace. Carragher, a former Liverpool defender and Sky Sports analyst, said on air: "There's a saying I always remember as a footballer, 'Leave the football before the football leaves you.' The football has left him. At this top level, he needs to call it a day at this level and move." He argued Casemiro, then 32, lacked the athleticism for elite competition and should consider leagues like the MLS or Saudi Arabia.

Casemiro, speaking on Rio Ferdinand's YouTube channel, responded: "It's your opinion. I respect your opinion. I don't like it because it's disrespectful. It's disrespectful to me." The 34-year-old highlighted his resilience during a challenging second season at United in 2023-24, when injuries sidelined him for three months and he filled in at center-back for 12 to 15 games. "Everyone kills you because you're not playing in your position," he said. "But for me,...