Casemiro believes the current campaign with Manchester United has been one of the most successful of his career, ahead of their Europa League final showdown with Tottenham on Wednesday.
The Brazil international has won 18 trophies, including five Champions Leagues with Real Madrid, throughout his career.
His current club United are currently 16th in the Premier League and failed to get past the fifth round in either domestic cup competition this term.
But Casemiro is proud of his efforts, with United still retaining hope of European silverware and qualification for the 2025-26 Champions League.
“This was one of the seasons I think I feel most proud of myself, because it’s been a long time since I’ve been through a moment like this, where the coach doesn’t count on you, but you keep working, keep doing things well,” Casemiro said in an interview with ESPN Brasil.
“Of course, you want to win titles, but one of the most successful seasons of my career, without a doubt, was this one. For turning things around, with hard work and dedication.”
The 33-year-old had looked set for a January exit after falling out of favour with Ruben Amorim following his appointment in November, but he managed to fight his way into the head coach’s plans and scored in both Europa League semi-final legs against Athletic Bilbao.
Those were his fourth and fifth goals of the season in all competitions, while he has featured 40 times for the club during the course of the campaign.
Following Casemiro’s turnaround, former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand referred to him as a “warrior.”
Today’s the day #MUFC || #UELfinal pic.twitter.com/10ZsErJ37L
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 21, 2025
“I can only thank him for his words because Rio Ferdinand is one of the idols here at Old Trafford. We see the affection the fans have for him and, without a doubt, it’s a source of pride,” he said.
“This season of mine is undoubtedly a source of pride. And even more so, with the moment I’m experiencing,
“I think people don’t stop playing football, people don’t forget how to play football in three or six months. And it’s definitely a source of pride for me to hear that from a club idol, my idol, someone I admire and respect.
“I think that regardless of criticism, because criticism exists in football, if it’s constructive criticism, fair criticism, I think it’s acceptable.
“But I don’t think a lack of manners is acceptable. This guy was one of the people who always respected me, always had immense affection for me, so I think I just have to be grateful, I just have to be grateful. I’m very proud of my season this year.”
