Marcelo Vieira da Silva Júnior has earned the title of ‘legend’ at Real Madrid over the last dozen years. After a poor 2018/2019 season, manager Zinedine Zidane wanted to go out and sign another big name striker. He found that in Ferland Mendy who was confirmed by the club yesterday. Despite interest from Juventus, Marcelo wishes to stay and fight for his starting spot on defense.
Even though he had a really tough time this past season – as a Real Madrid fan – it is nearly impossible to not love the dedication the Brazilian international has shown to the badge over his many years of service.
Much like Sergio Ramos, Marcelo has become a staple of the Real Madrid team sheet regardless of who the manager is. Zizou has been nothing but supportive of the number 12, however, he can see the defender is nearing the end of his prolific career.
Marcelo is 31-years-old and some younger players are needed to back him up. Ferland Mendy was seen as the best option in the world, leading to president Florentino Perez splashing €48 million to sign him.
Marcelo was given the option to leave the club to follow his long friend Cristiano Ronaldo to Italy, or stay in the Spanish capital and fight for his starting spot.
Showing his loyalty and dedication to the 13-time European champions, the Brazilian has decided to stay and compete with the much younger Mendy for at least the upcoming season. Anyone who watched a Real Madrid match this past season will have noticed how poorly Marcelo played.
But, he is trying to erase those bad memories from the fan’s minds and show that he is worthy of being called a Real Madrid legend.
I have so much respect for Marcelo and everything he has done over his many years of service, but I must say this has impressed me the most. With Achraf Hakimi set to return from Borussia Dortmund next summer, the competition will only get tougher from here.
Mendy is a prolific defender who fits in Zidane’s scheme perfectly and should compliment Ramos and Raphael Varane nicely while also linking up with Eden Hazard down the left flank. That being said, I am certain Marcelo can create some magic of his own despite being seven years older than Mendy.
Marcelo is a true hero and a ferocious competitor we Madridistas should all respect. I can’t wait to see the competition that takes place during the preseason.