After announcing that Real Madrid's 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the Champions League final was his last match for the club, Marcelo was fittingly the star of the show during Sunday's trophy parade.
Marcelo joined from boyhood club Fluminense in 2007 and spent 16 seasons at the Santiago Bernabéu. He finishes his Real Madrid career as the most decorated player in the club's illustrious history with 25 trophies, including five Champions League triumphs, six LaLiga titles and two Copa del Rey crowns.
"It was my last match with Real Madrid," Marcelo said. "I'm not sad. I couldn't be happier as I leave the club. I'm very thankful. It's the end of a very beautiful cycle."
The 34-year-old is now able to choose his next destination on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract, but Marcelo hasn't revealed anything apart from his plans to play for another couple seasons.
Marcelo's final season with Real was his least impactful on the pitch — he made three substitute appearances in the UCL and didn't get off the bench in the final — but his influence off it remained vital as he served as club captain.
His glowing status amongst teammates and fans was clear for all to see during Sunday's celebrations.
@MarceloM12 x 5️⃣#CHAMP14NS pic.twitter.com/uHWNW7es6x
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) May 29, 2022
©️ @MarceloM12 @Benzema
️ #CHAMP14NS | #CAMPEON35 pic.twitter.com/1R5lTqiS6r— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) May 29, 2022
@MarceloM12: "CÓMO NO TE VOY A QUERER, CÓMO NO TE VOY A QUERER..."#CHAMP14NS | #CAMPEON35 | #RMFans pic.twitter.com/NktfKOOmLV
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) May 29, 2022
Elegancia ✖️ 4️⃣#CHAMP14NS | #CAMPEON35 pic.twitter.com/d8Nt68T2vO
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) May 29, 2022
⛲ No nos cansamos de visitarte...#CHAMP14NS pic.twitter.com/UQY4tjlZee
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) May 29, 2022
As for his longterm plans, Marcelo has ruled out a career as a manager.
"I don't think coaching is for me," he said. "I think I'm bad at it, I'm not good with tactics. I have no idea how that works."
