(Football news) Real Madrid on Sunday defeated Granada 1-0 thanks to a long range goal from Marco Asensio in the 74th minute. Marcelo wore the captain's armband and was taken off towards the end of the game and received a standing ovation from the crowd at Santiago Bernabeu. In his post match interview an emotional Marcelo said "I have had many beautiful nights at the Bernabéu, but today was special. I can only be grateful to the fans at the Bernabéu." 

Despite the standing ovation it wasn't all applause from the Bernabeu as they whistled quite a bit due a lackluster performance especially after the Copa Del Rey exit. Marcelo's contract expires at the end of the season. There are no signs of a contract renewal which will make this Marcelo's 15th and final season at Real Madrid.

The Brazilian was just 19 years old when he got a dream move to Real Madrid from his boyhood club Fluminense. His signing in January 2007 and he got a chance to play as a deputy and learn from his idol Roberto Carlos. He became the starter in the 2007/08 season, when Carlos left for Fenerbahçe. Marcelo is widely regarded as the best fullback in the modern game of football pace, dribbling and pinpoint crosses. Over the years Marcelo has become a true Real Madrid icon and after Sergio Ramos' departure he has been the club captain. The full back was in the FIFA FIFPro World XI in 2012 and then for 5 back to back seasons from 2015 to 2019. He was also named in the team of the decade (2010–2019) by France Football

All these accolades do not reflect how much ups and downs Marcelo has seen in his time at Real Madrid. He has often found himself as a second choice left back behind Gabriel Heinze, Fabio Coentrao and most recently Ferland Mendy. Marcelo being a world class player never caused any rift and never seeked a move away or asked for a better contract. The Brazilian has been described by many of his teammates as a leader and someone who always keeps the team's morale high.

In the last few years Marcelo has had a lot of scrutiny for his lack of defensive effort which has cost the team a few times. His performances since 2019 haven't been good but he still has a legacy at Real Madrid and will always be a benchmark for Real Madrid fullbacks. Until recently Los Blancos weren't the kind of club that signed young and raw players to develop them until Marcelo and Sergio Ramos came into the picture. 

For a non Spanish/ European to come to a club of Real Madrid's stature as a teenager and eventually become the club captain, Marcelo has become an icon for Brazilians and Real Madrid academy players . Now at the age of 33, Marcelo is set to become a free agent. Reports suggest that he wouldn't want to play in Europe as he doesn't want to play against Real Madrid and could retire and take up a non-playing role at the club.

Also read: Real Madrid go 6 points clear; Barcelona topple Atletico to jump to 4th place