Real Madrid’s most decorated footballer, Marcelo Vieira da Silva Junior, will exit the Spanish giants this summer, according to a statement on Real Madrid’s official website.
Marcelo’s contract at the Santiago Bernabeu expired this summer after spending over 15 years at the club and winning 25 titles. Marcelo joined Real Madrid in 2007 from Fluminense where he played a total of 30 games, scoring 6 goals in all competitions.
He made his debut for the Spanish champions in January 2007 against Deportivo La Coruña. Marcelo was a used substitute in the game which ended in a 2-0 defeat. On 14 April 2007, the Brazilian left-back had his first start for Real Madrid in a game against Racing de Santander and it ended in a 2-1 defeat.
Marcelo’s first two seasons weren’t impressive but things turned around for him in the 2009 season. He went on to secure a place in the first team under Manuel Pellegrini.
The Brazilian finished the 2009/10 season as the player with the highest assists in La Liga. He then revealed that he’s interested in playing as a left-winger.
However, he continued playing as a defender even during the reign of José Mourinho between 2010 and 2013 in which he established himself as a football icon at Real Madrid.
Note that until Mourinho left Real Madrid in 2013, he continued to use the Brazilian as a left-back and Marcelo didn’t disappoint. Hence, when Mourinho left, the Brazilian maintained the role to date.
Marcelo’s first Champions League goal came in a game against Olympique Lyonnais and he was also the Man of the match.
His amazing performance throughout the season earned him a place in the Champions League starting XI and the third-best player in La Liga behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi. Marcelo has since become one of the best left-backs in the world, winning a total of 25 titles including 5 Champions League titles with Real Madrid.
The club’s statement read: “Real Madrid C. F. would like to announce that tomorrow, Monday 13 June, at 1 pm (CET), there will be an institutional farewell and tribute ceremony for our captain Marcelo at Real Madrid City, which will be presided over by club president Florentino Pérez. After this event, Marcelo will address the media in the press room at Real Madrid City.”
At the time of publishing this report, the Brazilian’s next destination is unknown but is leaving not just as the most decorated Real Madrid player but also as a club legend.
