An Emotional Marcelo Had Everyone In Tears During Real Madrid Farewell After 15 Year Career
Marcelo leaves as the most decorated player in club history.
Featured Image Credit: Real Madrid
Topics: Marcelo, Real Madrid
Daniel Marland
Topics: Marcelo, Real Madrid
Real Madrid legend Marcelo was visibly emotional during his farewell press conference and even had the crowd in tears during his speech.
The former Brazil international moved to Real from Fluminese in 2007 and went on to make 545 appearances in all competitions.
He's also the most decorated player in club history, having won 25 major honours. Among those are six La Liga titles and five Champions Leagues.
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For his years of service, Marcelo was given one final tribute ceremony on Monday afternoon and there wasn't a dry eye in the building.
Per Marca, he said: "Thanks to my teammates, coaches. But above all to the kit men, to the security, to the people who work behind the scenes and have dirty work. I want to highlight their work, because I only dedicate myself to playing and I always had everything ready. I want to thank my wife, because she has always been by my side since I started playing football. If I am what I am today, it is because of you Clarice.
"When I left Brazil I had in mind to play the Champions League. And today I leave here being the player with the most titles in the history of the biggest club in the world."
Among those in attendance were manager Carlo Ancelotti, who was seen wiping a single tear from his eye towards the end. It takes a lot to crack 'Don Carlo'.
Los Blancos legend Raul was a spectator too and he was still an active player when a young Marcelo arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu.
He praised Raul for being there for him since the birth of his son, and that opened the waterworks.
Marcelo declared: "To my capi, Raul - since my son was born, you've been there for me. You're an example."
The 34-year-old then posed with club president Florentino Perez and all 25 of his trophies, a testament to his career in the Spanish capital.
This season saw Marcelo become the first non-Spaniard to captain Real to La Liga and Champions League glory. Sergio Ramos' departure for Paris Saint-Germain last summer saw Marcelo given the armband.
He was second-choice to Ferland Mendy for most of the campaign, but his influence in the dressing room was still as strong as ever.
Marcelo was regularly seen chatting to Ancelotti on the touchline and gave his opinion in tight situations.
Famously, he, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos helped pick the substitutes during extra-time of their dramatic Champions League semi-final victory over Manchester City.
Kroos told reporters at full-time: "Ancelotti asked for the opinion of the experienced players on who he should sub on at extra time. This situation describes him perfectly as a coach and is why he works so well with the team."
Marcelo is expected to continue playing and reportedly has offers from Turkish giants Fenerbahce and French outfit Marseille.