Long serving Real Madrid defender Marcelo has no plans to leave the club this summer, and has no inclination that he will be sold.
The 31-year-old has become part of the Santiago Bernabeu furniture, making over 500 appearances in all competitions after joining from Fluminense in 2007.
The Brazilian has come under pressure from summer signing Ferland Mendy for a regular first team place this season, limiting him to just 11 La Liga appearances before football was forced to take an extended break due to the coronavirus pandemic.
But Marcelo’s lack of minutes hasn’t called his loyalty to the club into question, though, with an Instagram Q&A with former teammate Fabio Cannavaro revealing that he has no plans to go anywhere just yet, despite past interest from Juventus.
“I don’t want to leave and I don’t think Real Madrid will sell me,” Marcelo said, in quotes carried by Marca.
“I have done very well at Madrid since arriving. It’s been a long time and it’s an incredible story. I do think it’s good that other teams are interested in me, but I don’t know about Juventus.
“Two years ago I had already signed with them [Juventus], and had their shirt on because I couldn’t live without Cristiano Ronaldo. People make up a lot of things.”
Inevitably, after spending the best part of a decade playing with Ronaldo, Marcelo was also quizzed about whether the Portuguese star is better than Barcelona’s Lionel Messi.
His reply was diplomatic enough, praising both for differing qualities, adding that it’s impossible to say one way or the other.
“You can’t say who is better,” Marcelo retorted. “I played with Cristiano for 10 years, and the motivation he gives you is unique, how he raises your own game. You think Messi is under control, then out of nowhere he scores a goal.”
When Marcelo eventually does leave Real Madrid, he’ll depart as one of the most decorated players in the club’s history. To date, he has won 21 honours – including four Champions League titles and four La Liga crowns.
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