"That's when you lose my respect" - Casemiro hits out at critics after dip in Manchester United form
Casemiro has hit out at the "disrespectful" criticism he has been getting at Manchester United this season. He believes that the critics have crossed a line lately and does not respect them.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Casemiro claimed that he was touted as one of the best signings last season. However, a dip in form has seen the worst from pundits and said:
"You look towards the end of last season, the team was playing well with plenty of positive comments. So what happened? I was considered one of the best signings of the Premier League last season, and now I'm not worth anything anymore? The criticism is disrespectful. So, when it's lacking respect, then it's worrying, and I don't have to respect that either. But there is always going to be criticism in football, especially playing for such a long time, people want to criticise. But from the moment when it lacks respect, that's when you lose my respect."
The Brazilian continued:
"But criticism is a part of football. And I'm always very calm, especially with the criticism. When it's constructive criticism, it's always welcomed. Especially in football, when you've been playing high level for 10 years and you drop your level a little, the criticism is going to come, criticism is always going to come. But from the moment when you feel disrespected, I don't think it's right. And that is when I lose respect for those people."
Casemiro was signed for £70 million by Manchester United from Real Madrid. He still has three years left on his contract.
What did pundits say about Manchester United star Casemiro?
Casemiro did not name any pundit in his interview, but it is believed that the Brazilian was hinting at comments from Jamie Carragher. The Liverpool legend blasted the Manchester United star earlier this month and claimed that it was his time to leave Old Trafford.
Carragher stated that the Brazilian had lost his legs and urged him to join a Saudi Pro League side or move to MLS (via Sky Sports):
"He should be thinking "I need to go to the MLS or Saudi". I'm deadly serious. He's aging, the people around him they need to tell him this has to stop. We are watching one of the greats of the modern time playing in one of the best midfields we've seen who dominated Europe."
Gary Neville was not happy with Casemiro's contribution in the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal either. He claimed that the Manchester United star had to start coping and concentrate on getting into the right position over running.