Marcelo bids farewell to football

Former Brazil and Real Madrid captain Marcelo has officially announced his retirement from football.

The 36-year-old defender played for Real Madrid from 2007 to 2022, making 546 appearances and winning 25 trophies, including six La Liga titles.

He played a key role in Real Madrid's historic "La Décima" triumph, scoring in the 2014 Champions League final to help secure the club's long-awaited 10th European crown. Following that victory, Real Madrid won five more Champions League titles.

He was also part of the squad that won three consecutive Champions League titles between the 2015-16 and 2017-18 seasons.

In a video posted on Instagram on Thursday, Marcelo said, "My journey as a player ends here, but I still have a lot to give to football."

During his time at Real Madrid, Marcelo also won two Copa del Rey titles, five Spanish Super Cups, four Club World Cups, and three UEFA Super Cups, captaining the team in his final years at the club.

Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez praised Marcelo in a statement, saying, "He is one of the greatest left-backs in the history of Real Madrid and world football, and we had the honour of watching him for so many years."

"He is one of our great legends, and Real Madrid will always be his home."

Marcelo last played for Brazilian Serie A side Fluminense. On the international stage, he represented Brazil in 58 matches, winning the 2013 Confederations Cup and earning a silver medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics, as well as a bronze medal at the 2008 Olympics.