Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has explained why he got emotional during an interview with Brazilian legend Ronaldo.
The 30-year-old scored the winner in Brazil’s 1-0 win against Switzerland which ensured that Tite’s side qualified for the last-16.
It was the former Real Madrid man’s first World Cup goal and with the Selecao missing star man Neymar due to injury, United’s number 18 stepped up to the plate when his nation needed him the most.
The five-time Champions League winner’s slightly deflected flew past Yann Sommer leaving the Swiss goalkeeper with no chance.
Casemiro explains why he got emotional during an interview with Brazilian legend Ronaldo
The midfield enforcer is yet to taste defeat in the World Cup with him being suspended for Brazil’s 2-1 defeat to Belgium in the quarter-finals in Russia four years ago.
In the six World Cup matches Casemiro has played, Brazil have only conceded one goal and are on a run of five straight clean sheets with the 67-time international screening and protecting the defence.
As well as being labelled the best midfielder in the world by Neymar following his match-winning performance against Switzerland, Casemiro was also praised by the man known as ‘Phenomenon’ – Ronaldo.
During an interview with Ronaldo TV, Casemiro was moved by a few words that were spoken by the Phenomenon, who praised him for scoring in a World Cup.
Casemiro was very moved by the meeting with one of the greatest players of all time.
Explaining why he got emotional speaking with the former Real Madrid and Brazil striker, who fired the Selecao to glory in 2002 and won the golden boot, Casemiro told ESPN Brazil: “You have no notion, the privilege of hearing it from you.
“You are my idol, you, Roberto Carlos, Kaka. I’m happy to get compliments like that. I saw you play when I was a kid.
“But thank you. You know how important it is in the national team, you win, I don’t even need to talk about your resume, I’m happy with your compliments.”
With Brazil’s place in the last-16 assured, Tite may decide to rest Casemiro in the final group stage game against Cameroon.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
