‘A companion for life’ – Cristiano Ronaldo sends heartfelt message to Marcelo as Real Madrid icon retires
A legend of the game has retired in Marcelo, and many of those who shared the journey with him have paid tribute. The five-time Champions League winner has called time on his playing career at the age of 36, having not played for Fluminense since October. Marcelo retires as a footballing legendAFP Marcelo spent the final years of his career back home in BrazilAFP Marcelo leaves the game as one of its greatest-ever players and arguably its best-ever left back, winning 25 trophies at Real Madrid in 16 seasons. In Spain he played with a number of the game’s greats, who have all paid tribute. One of those was particularly heartfelt, though, from Cristiano Ronaldo. The most followed person on Instagram, Ronaldo posted a series of pictures with Marcelo for his 648million followers and left a special message. “My brother, what an incredible career!” the Al Nassr striker wrote. “We’ve lived a lot together, it’s been years of achievements, victories and unforgettable moments. “More than a teammate, a companion for life. Thanks for everything my friend. I wish you all the best in this new phase of life.” Marcelo replied to the message by simply writing “My brother” with a purple heart, a colour used by Los Blancos fans to refer to the kit they won their 12th Champions League in against Juventus in 2017, with their 4-1 victory arguably the best of the lot. Ronaldo and Marcelo won four European Cups together and played 332 matches as teammates. Only three players have lined up more often with Ronaldo, and only two more with Marcelo. The player to make the most appearances alongside Marcelo was Sergio Ramos on 405, and the recently signed Monterrey centre back wrote on social media: “A legend retires. A brother, an old comrade of many battles. So many victories, so many titles and so many laughs. “It was an honour to share so many years on the pitch. Today you hang up your boots, but your legacy is eternal. You’re a part of football history. Ronaldo and Marcelo won it all togetherGetty Ronaldo and Marcelo have a special relationship “Thank you for your magic and for being the best ally on and off the pitch. Enjoy your new phase in life, Marcelo! Love you, brother.” Sami Khedira, who won the Champions League in 2014 with Marcelo, also spoke exclusively to talkSPORT about the Brazilian. “On one hand we’re talking about the football player and technically he was 100 per cent one of the best,” the German said. “On the other hand was and still is a great human being. He’s always positive with his energy in the team, but also super serious and competitive and wants to win. “Marcelo is one of the best teammates I’ve ever had, not just on the pitch but off it and he was one of the leaders.” The 58-time capped Brazilian joined Madrid in 2007 from boyhood club Fluminense and endured a difficult start as the Bernabeu turned on him for his inability to defend. Often shifted up to the left wing to keep him out of trouble, it wasn’t until the 2010 arrival of Jose Mourinho that Marcelo became Madrid’s undisputed starter at left back and set a course for legendary status. Leaving Madrid as a footballing great in 2022, Marcelo spent a season at Greek side Olympiacos before returning home to Fluminense where he won two more titles.
A legend of the game has retired in Marcelo, and many of those who shared the journey with him have paid tribute.
The five-time Champions League winner has called time on his playing career at the age of 36, having not played for Fluminense since October.
Marcelo leaves the game as one of its greatest-ever players and arguably its best-ever left back, winning 25 trophies at Real Madrid in 16 seasons.
In Spain he played with a number of the game’s greats, who have all paid tribute. One of those was particularly heartfelt, though, from Cristiano Ronaldo.
The most followed person on Instagram, Ronaldo posted a series of pictures with Marcelo for his 648million followers and left a special message.
“My brother, what an incredible career!” the Al Nassr striker wrote. “We’ve lived a lot together, it’s been years of achievements, victories and unforgettable moments.
“More than a teammate, a companion for life. Thanks for everything my friend. I wish you all the best in this new phase of life.”
Marcelo replied to the message by simply writing “My brother” with a purple heart, a colour used by Los Blancos fans to refer to the kit they won their 12th Champions League in against Juventus in 2017, with their 4-1 victory arguably the best of the lot.
Ronaldo and Marcelo won four European Cups together and played 332 matches as teammates.
Only three players have lined up more often with Ronaldo, and only two more with Marcelo.
The player to make the most appearances alongside Marcelo was Sergio Ramos on 405, and the recently signed Monterrey centre back wrote on social media: “A legend retires. A brother, an old comrade of many battles. So many victories, so many titles and so many laughs.
“It was an honour to share so many years on the pitch. Today you hang up your boots, but your legacy is eternal. You’re a part of football history.
“Thank you for your magic and for being the best ally on and off the pitch. Enjoy your new phase in life, Marcelo! Love you, brother.”
Sami Khedira, who won the Champions League in 2014 with Marcelo, also spoke exclusively to talkSPORT about the Brazilian.
“On one hand we’re talking about the football player and technically he was 100 per cent one of the best,” the German said.
“On the other hand was and still is a great human being. He’s always positive with his energy in the team, but also super serious and competitive and wants to win.
“Marcelo is one of the best teammates I’ve ever had, not just on the pitch but off it and he was one of the leaders.”
The 58-time capped Brazilian joined Madrid in 2007 from boyhood club Fluminense and endured a difficult start as the Bernabeu turned on him for his inability to defend.
Often shifted up to the left wing to keep him out of trouble, it wasn’t until the 2010 arrival of Jose Mourinho that Marcelo became Madrid’s undisputed starter at left back and set a course for legendary status.
Leaving Madrid as a footballing great in 2022, Marcelo spent a season at Greek side Olympiacos before returning home to Fluminense where he won two more titles.
