The United family is behind you, Casemiro

Manchester United and Brazil midfielder Casemiro has posted an emotional message to fans following his country’s shock exit from the World Cup.

The 30-year-old midfielder took his time to react on social media so that he could regain his composure, after a painful quarter-final defeat to Croatia on penalties last Friday night. 

Brazil had performed well during the tournament and were fancied by many as the favourites to lift the trophy in Qatar. The last-eight tie appeared to be going their way, too, when Neymar put them in front during extra time to equal his country’s official men’s goalscoring record. 

But Croatia substitute Bruno Petkovic had other plans and netted a 117th-minute equaliser with their first shot on target, to set up a dramatic penalty shootout.

Like a true leader, Casemiro volunteered to take the second spot-kick and the United man buried his effort into the corner, but it, unfortunately, was not enough to prevent a 4-2 defeat on penalties.

“It’s been almost three days, but the pain lingers.

“I wanted to make this post with a cooler head and a better understanding of what happened, but it’s still hard to understand because of the way we went out. By far, this was the defeat that brought me the most pain in my entire career. 

“I imagine that you, who cheered for us so much, are also feeling similar pain and I am very sorry for that. Our biggest wish was to bring this title back to our country, to bring joy to you and we did everything we could. All of it. 

“But football is like that: no matter how much you do everything right, there’s no way to control the result. I’ve experienced this a few times - both for and against. 

“I want to thank Tite and the technical committee that is saying goodbye. You did a fantastic job in those six years and you deserved the title. I am so sorry you're going. I wish you guys all the luck in the world for your upcoming endeavours. I’m sure we’ll overcome this pain and move on even stronger.”