Chelsea star Joao Pedro has spoken about the long-lasting impact that Manchester United and Brazil midfielder Casemiro has had on him ahead of the World Cup this summer.
Casemiro has signed off his final season as a Manchester United player and the 34-year-old Brazilian defensive midfielder will leave Old Trafford in the summer.
The former Real Madrid star’s contract with United expires in June and Casemiro has been linked with clubs in the MLS and Saudi Arabia during the 2025-26 campaign.
Brazil international Casemiro played his final match for Man Utd against Nottingham Forest in the 3-2 Premier League win at Old Trafford earlier this month.
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Joao Pedro on playing alongside Man Utd ace Casemiro for the Brazil national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup
Joao Pedro won’t link up with Casemiro for what is expected to be the outgoing Manchester United midfielder’s final World Cup tournament as a Brazil player.
Carlo Ancelotti announced his 26-man Brazil squad earlier this month and Pedro missed out on the final cut, despite producing a strong season with Chelsea.
Casemiro returned to the Brazil national team in 2025 under Carlo Ancelotti and received the captain’s armband from the former Real Madrid manager.
Rio Ferdinand sat down with Pedro and the United legend asked him for his thoughts on Casemiro leaving Man Utd after the end of the 2025-26 campaign.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, Pedro said: “For example, with me, I have a good relationship with him. He says, ‘Joao, I don’t care. Just play. I will be [looking] to you every time.
“You have one game in Brazil against Chile, and then he passed once, I dribbled. He passed twice [and] I dribble.
“The third time I was tired because he passed to me every time, and then I didn’t get the ball, and he say, ‘Hey Joao, I told you, be ready.’ I say, ‘Casemiro, I’m tired. I say, no, no, no, no.’”
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Chelsea and Brazil star Joao Pedro on Casemiro’s reputation after his prolific playing career at the top level
Casemiro enjoyed a superb run of form in the second half of the campaign and hit back at his critics over his ability to play at the top level of football at his age.
Pedro showed nothing but admiration for the five-time Champions League winner, with the 24-year-old Chelsea forward claiming that Casemiro is deeply ‘respected.’
“So, yeah, it’s good, because he won everything,” he continued.
“Everyone in the world, they respect him, because he’s a great footballer. So, to have one player like this, near to you, to help you, is very good.”
Casemiro has netted nine times and registered two assists in 35 matches across all competitions for Man Utd in the 2025-26 campaign at Old Trafford.
No matter what happens next — whether Brazil win the World Cup or not — Casemiro’s name will forever hold ‘respect’ on it after his brilliant Man Utd spell.
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