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Manchester United stalwart Casemiro has declared that the city will 'forever be his home' following an emotional farewell to Old Trafford. The 34-year-old will depart United when his contract expires in June, bringing the curtain down on four years at the club.

The Brazil captain played his final home match on Sunday, as the Red Devils defeated Nottingham Forest 3-2 to clinch third place in the Premier League. Casemiro was substituted by Michael Carrick in the second half, giving the United faithful the opportunity to give him a well-deserved standing ovation.

After the final whistle, the midfielder stood on the pitch with his family and addressed the supporters, expressing his gratitude for their backing since his £60million move to Real Madrid in August 2022. Having snubbed the chance to hold an outgoing press conference, Casemiro subsequently took to social media to convey his heartfelt thanks.

"There are places we pass through in life... and there are places that become part of who we are," he wrote. "Manchester will forever be my home.

"To the city, the club, and every supporter, my sincerest thank you. These past four years have been unforgettable, filled with moments my family and I will carry with us for the rest of our lives."

"There simply aren't enough words to describe the happiness and warmth we've felt here. Thank you for every cheer, every memory, and for making us feel at home from the very first day. Forever a Red Devil."

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Casemiro will depart Old Trafford having claimed two honours during his time with United, the Carabao Cup and FA Cup. His arrival under Erik ten Hag breathed new life into the Red Devils' 2022-23 campaign, and while he endured difficult spells in his second and third seasons, he has been nothing short of exceptional this term, chipping in with a remarkable nine goals.

"I think he's been fantastic for us, for me personally, for us as a group," Carrick said ahead of the clash with Forest. "I think what he's given us, I've said it before, I think the clarity helps of knowing the situation, and for him to get his head in a place of where you give absolutely everything for, in, in every aspect, knowing, that it was going to come to an end at the end of the season.

"I think, like I've said before, it's credit to him for the way he's gone about that. And just because it's coming to the end and there's clarity with it, it's easy to go the other way as well, but he's fully invested, he's fully supported us, the staff, with the performances that he's given.

"He's obviously had some ups and downs just like we all have in football and over the years, but to finish so strongly and to see that connection that he's got with the supporters, it's really good to see."

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Casemiro is yet to reveal his next destination. MLS outfit Inter Miami have made known their desire to acquire the midfielder on a free transfer.