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5 hours ago
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Manchester United star Casemiro is ready to give his all to clinch World Cup qualification with Brazil in 2026.
The veteran midfielder has been brought back into the international fold under new boss Carlo Ancelotti as the Samba Boys plot a path to North America next summer.
Casemiro had been exiled from the Brazil squad since October 2023, as former boss Dorvial Junior opted against calling him up after a dip in form at Old Trafford.
The bold call to bring in Ancelotti has caused controversy - as the first non-Brazilian permanent head coach - and a recall for Casemiro was one of his first moves.
The pair won a La Liga title and two UEFA Champions League crowns together at Real Madrid - split across Ancelotti's two spells in the Spanish capital - with Casemiro his trusted lieutenant at No.6.
Ancelotti wanted experience in his squad and 33-year-old Casemiro offers that with only Marquinhos amassing more caps than him in the current panel.
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Casemiro reveals reason for Brazil return
Casemiro completed 90 minutes in Ancelotti's opening game - with Brazil held to a 0-0 draw in Ecuador - and the Red Devils star indicated a conversation with the new boss was all it took to get him back involved.
"I'm happy to be back with the national team. I'm not here because I know the coach, I'm here on merit," as per quotes from Diario AS.
"I'm a soldier, like all of the players. We're soldiers for the coach. A soldier for the Brazil national team, and we want to do the best for the team.
"[Ancelotti's strength] is his his human side, the relationship he has with the players, his closeness and ease with them. That was clear when we spoke.
"I want to do things well on the field. To command respect and pass on my experience When you work with this coach, and you know his style, everything becomes easier. I will also have a greater say in the locker room."
United fans will keep a close eye on Brazil's schedule in 2025, with Casemiro heading into the final year of his contract in Manchester, but with the option to extend until 2027.
Up next for Brazil is a first home qualifier under Ancelotti, against Paraguay in Sao Paulo on June 10, followed by two final qualifiers in September - against Chile and Bolivia.
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