Brazilian defender Marcelo has announced his retirement from football at the age of 36, bringing an end to an illustrious career that saw him become one of the most decorated left-backs in history.
Marcelo, who earned 58 caps for Brazil, rose to prominence at Fluminense before joining Real Madrid in 2007 at just 18. During his 15-year spell at the Bernabeu, he won 25 major trophies, including five Champions League titles and six La Liga crowns.
“At 18, Real Madrid knocked on my door and I arrived here. Now, I can proudly say that I am a true Madrileño,” Marcelo said in a farewell video. “Sixteen seasons, 25 titles, five Champions Leagues, one of the captains, and so many magical nights at the Bernabeu. What a journey! My journey as a player ends here, but I still have so much to give to football.”
He became Real Madrid’s first non-Spanish captain in 117 years in 2021. Club president Florentino Perez paid tribute, calling Marcelo “one of the greatest left-backs in the history of Real Madrid and world football.”
After leaving Madrid in 2022, Marcelo had a brief stint at Olympiacos before returning to Fluminense in 2023. He played 68 matches before parting ways with the club last November after a dispute with manager Mano Menezes.
Source:
3news.com
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