The Brazilian Marcelo closed a chapter of 16 years at Real Madrid with emotion, proud to leave “as the player with the most titles in the history of the biggest club in the world”. The 34-year-old from Rio de Janeiro posed this Monday next to the 25 trophies won at the White House and then, between tears, gave a speech in which he distributed thanks and praise.
First of all, he remembered his deceased grandfather Pedro, a key figure in the development of his career for having left his job and sold his car to accompany him in his formative stage in Rio de Janeiro. Then he addressed his family: “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”, he recognized his wife, who She listened to him from one of the seats in the room with her two children.
“I would also like to thank my teammates and coaches over all these years, but above all the kit men, the security, the people who work behind the scenes and do the dirty work. I want to highlight their work, because I only dedicate myself to play and I always had everything ready”, pondered the side.
As a special mention, Marcelo highlighted former goalscorer Raúl González, also present at the farewell, who was team captain when the Brazilian arrived at the club in the 2006-2007 season. “I am going to tell something that I have never told. But I want to thank Raúl, who is sitting there. You helped me a lot when I arrived and when my son Enzo was born, I will never forget that you gave me a gift, with many things for the baby , and you gave me a lot of advice. You were always very loving, you and your family, and I will never forget it. I always wanted to follow your example, “he said.
“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,” he summed up. Marcelo won 25 titles at Real Madrid, including five European Champions Leagues (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2022). On the list of honor as the club’s most successful footballers are Paco Gento (23), Sergio Ramos (22), Manolo Sanchís II (21) and Karim Benzema (19). The Argentine Alfredo Di Stéfano, Madridista glory, has 17 crowns.
The Brazilian received the Real Madrid gold and diamond badge on Monday from President Florentino Pérez, who distinguished him as a “legend” of the institution. The current coach of the team, the Italian Carlo Ancelotti, and some teammates such as Marco Asensio and Dani Carvajal were also present at the ceremony. After his departure from Real Madrid, the former soccer player for the Brazilian national team, a World Cup player in 2014 and 2018, will study offers from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Turkey.
