Copa America: Brazil coach, Dorival Junior explains why he excluded Casemiro from 23-man squad

Brazil national team coach, Dorival Junior, has explained the reason behind his decision not to include Manchester United midfielder Casemiro in his 23-man squad for the upcoming Copa America.

Recall that Junior recently announced his squad for the Copa America and didn’t include the former Real Madrid star despite his pivotal role in Brazil’s 2019 Copa America victory.

Notably, Casemiro joins Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus and Tottenham’s Richarlison in being left out of the squad.

Explaining his decision, Junior said while speaking to Globo Esporte (via Manchester Evening News):

“Regarding Casemiro, he deserves respect from all of us. I had a chat with him in Manchester three months ago and explained what I was thinking at the time, about his and his team’s situation, and what I needed. But just because he wasn’t called up this time, it doesn’t mean he’s been ruled out [for future call-ups] in any way.

“He knows exactly what I think of him and that is the main thing. Tomorrow I will have another chat with him and outline what I think may happen in the future, because he is a player that deserves consideration, affection and respect. We will continue believing in a player of his level.”