Man Utd midfielder Casemiro sat down for a reflective interview with club media ahead of his exit this summer.

Casemiro is grateful for the “love and affection” he has received from Manchester United fans. In January, United announced Casemiro would leave upon the expiry of his contract.

The Brazilian wanted to avoid speculation about his future, and the announcement meant his representatives could engage with potential suitors about his next move now that confirmation was out.

United agreed to Casemiro’s request to confirm his summer departure at that time, although it’s understood the decision not to renew his contract had been made well in advance of the announcement.

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Before the international break, United fans chanted “one more year, one more year Casemiro” during the 3-1 win against Aston Villa. Casemiro looked emotional when he scored in that game.

Despite the chants from fans for Casemiro to stay for another season, he will leave at the end of the campaign, but he admitted the affection from supporters has meant a great deal to him.

“Honestly, there is no explanation,” said Casemiro in an interview with club media when asked how the chants made him feel. “All I can do is be grateful because I am really enjoying myself a lot. Not just me, but all my family, so it’s an honour for us to listen to the fans’ love and affection.

“Lots of people think it is just the last few months since the announcement, but I have to be thankful since the very first day that I arrived here. The fans have been amazing with me and my family.

“I am going to remember them [fans] for the rest of my life. I feel so happy to have affection from the fans and the respect they have for me, so I feel gratitude for this love, it’s so exciting.”

Casemiro said his favourite memories from his four years in Manchester were his two trophy wins, the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.

“What stands out most for all players are titles,” he added. “For me, it’s important to win all those important games because it’s all about winning titles. So the two titles I won stick with me. We have also been in three other finals, but the two titles I won are the most important memories, as they are for all the careers of the players, and for the club.”

United paid £60million plus £10m in add-ons to sign Casemiro from Real Madrid in the summer of 2022. He enjoyed a brilliant first season, winning the Carabao Cup and helping United to third in the Premier League, but his form plummeted in the following campaign.

He lost his place under Erik ten Hag, but Ruud van Nistelrooy restored faith in him during his caretaker stint. Casemiro later enjoyed a renaissance a few months into Ruben Amorim’s tenure.

Michael Carrick has started Casemiro in every Premier League game since his appointment as interim boss and he has scored seven goals this term, the most in a league campaign in his career. Overall, the midfielder has contributed 24 goals and 14 assists in 155 appearances for United.