Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterFour Four TwoGet FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Become a Member in Seconds Unlock instant access to exclusive member features.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.You are now subscribedYour newsletter sign-up was successfulWant to add more newsletters?Five times a weekFourFourTwo DailyFantastic football content straight to your inbox! From the latest transfer news, quizzes, videos, features and interviews with the biggest names in the game, plus lots more.Signup +Once a week...And its LIVE!Sign up to our FREE live football newsletter, tracking all of the biggest games available to watch on the device of your choice. Never miss a kick-off!Signup +Join the clubGet full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.Explore An account already exists for this email address, please log in.Subscribe to our newsletterReal Madrid is undoubtedly one of the most difficult clubs to play for in world football.Not only are you up against the best of the best every single day in training, but youre also at the behest of a demanding and sometimes unforgiving Los Blancos crowd.No team has won even half as many Champions Leagues as the side from the Spanish capital with such history comes great responsibility. You may like Id trade three of my Champions Leagues for a World Cup. Id still have two Champions Leagues how many footballers can say that? Marcelo on reflects on his trophy-laden career Having to play under the pressure of being the new Roberto Carlos, who was also my role model, made joining Real Madrid even harder Marcelo opens up on what its like to replace an icon Id woken up at 7am, still tired because the day before wed been drinking. I thought, Today Im not drinking anything. But by 8.10am we were back at it! Marcelo on his romantic Fluminense return Marcelo reveals how much hes enjoying post-Real Madrid lifeBrazilian full-back Marcelo is one of the few who managed to clock more than 15 years at the club, joining from Fluminense in 2007 and departing in 2022 for Greek outfit Olympiacos.He enjoyed a career littered with success and silverware with the La Liga giants, a record that some might struggle to climb down from, but no for the 37-year-old. OFFICIAL: Marcelo retires from professional football. pic.twitter.com/Mi1I4bBoRwFebruary 6, 2025Not so much, actually, he replied when FourFourTwo asked whether it had been difficult to leave Madrid.I was always very aware of where I came from. I arrived in Madrid barely 18 years old and left with a clear conscience, my head held high and the feeling of having fulfilled my duty.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.When I joined the club, my thought was, I want to help this team win more titles. Ive even seen a photo of me saying that.Of course, I had no idea what Real Madrid really was, a club that had already accumulated so many successes. With the perspective of time, it was a somewhat nave comment people were surprised by it.Ultimately, we won an enormous amount. I think I left in a very good way, and very happy. What to read next Despite being a legend, Zidane showed humility. He was different from the rest and he was our coach. We were fortunate Marcelo opens up on what his best Real Madrid managers brought to the club Marcelo looks back at Los Blancos clinching La Decima in 2014 Former Real Madrid star reveals embarrassing first interaction with his boss Marcelo officially announced his retirement at the start of 2025, having completed the circle of his career by finishing at Fluminense.In 2022, hed surpassed club legend Paco Gentos record of 23 trophies at Los Blancos, a chart now topped by Luka Modric on 28 its no surprise a slower way of life suits Marcelo now.If Id known earlier that this new stage of my life would be so satisfying, then I would have left football back in 2018! he said. I still like fooball a lot, but now I enjoy playing casual games, without feeling the pressure pulling off a nutmeg is pure happiness!I have many projects, but football has always been about having fun for me. During my career I didnt have problems, but there were criticisms, constant pressure and an obligation to win.For my whole life Id been surrounded by pressure. It wasnt that I was tired, but I felt it was enough and that the moment had arrived. I think I made the right decision.TOPICSReal MadridLa LigaChampions LeagueIsaac Stacey StrongeSocial Links NavigationFreelance WriterIsaac Stacey Stronge is a freelance football writer working for FourFourTwo, Manchester United and Football League World. He has been a season ticket holder at Stockport County throughout the Hatters meteoric rise from the National League North to League One and is a die-hard Paddy Madden fan.With contributions fromDani Gil
