The Brazilian veteran leaves the club after 15 years and a club-record 25 trophies.
Marcelo has announced he plans to continue his career but hasn’t decided on a new club yet after bidding an emotional adieu to Real Madrid.
On Monday, Real Madrid hosted a farewell ceremony at the Bernabeu in honor of their departing captain – who will leave the club as a free agent once his contract expires at the end of the month.
Marcelo departs as the Spanish and European champions’ most successful footballer in history, having won a club-record 25 trophies across a memorable 15-year spell in the Spanish capital.
“It’s hard to leave the club of your life,” he told reporters. “There have been hard days and I have given my life to the club. The future doesn’t scare me because history is already written. I have done what I had to do.
“I don’t feel like a legend. Everyone can say what they like. But it’s clear the world doesn’t end now when you leave Real Madrid. That is why it’s a day of joy. It’s the best way to leave, through the main door and looking everyone in the face.”
What will be Marcelo’s next club?
Reports have linked the 34-year-old with moves to the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Turkey in recent weeks.
But Marcelo insists he has made no decision on his next club.
“I won’t retire, I feel I can still play. It won’t be a problem facing Real Madrid. I’m a big professional,” said the former Brazil international.
“When I have something concrete [on my future], I’ll announce it on my Instagram.”
As for a possible coaching career, he said: “I don’t have the capacity to coach – I have other facets that I think I’m better at.
“Tactics for me have always been strange. I’ve never understood systems. But I really enjoy playing. I don’t think I’m a coach, I don’t think I’ll try.”
Marcelo has been with Los Blancos since January 2007, making 545 appearances for the LaLiga giants. He has supplied 38 goals and 103 assists on route to a staggering 25 trophies.
Those include five Champions League titles, six La Liga titles, and four FIFA Club World Cups.
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