A decade is a long time, but in the case of Real Madrid left-back, Marcelo, it went very quickly. 16th November marks the Brazilian’s 10th anniversary with the club, a marriage that has been nothing but fruitful. Joining the club as a teenager, the former Fluminense starlet has won three league titles and two Champions League titles, while also becoming the best attacking full-back in the process.
Celebrating his 10th anniversary, he was presented with a special shirt by Florentino Perez. In the same event, he asked about his best moments with the club and he revealed that the Champions League final wins top the list.
"There have been a few of them: when I joined when I made my debut when I scored my first goal...," Marcelo said to Real Madrid TV.
"Although, the moment which left me speechless for a week was the Decima. It had been a long time since Real Madrid had won the European Cup and the referee blowing the full-time whistle was an unforgettable moment.
"Scoring for Real Madrid is special, but to do so in two Champions League finals and then going on to lift the titles is priceless.
"Whenever I watch those two games back it always makes my hair stand on end. My family are also moved when they watch them and it's something that will remain with me for the rest of my days."
Marcelo is only third in the list of non-Spaniards with most appearances for the club with 372 games under his name. He is only topped by the Argentine legend Alfredo di Stefano (396 matches) and his idol, Roberto Carlos. (527 games).
Speaking about his time with the club, he takes immense pride at being able to represent the Galacticos for such a long period of time.
"These 10 years have flown by, but they've been marvellous," he said. "I came to the club wanting to win titles and to make the Real Madrid starting XI. I've managed to do that, although when you come to Real Madrid you learn to fight in every game you play.
"It's a source of immense pride to be up there with the appearances of Roberto Carlos and Alfredo Di Stefano.
"As you know, Roberto Carlos is my idol and to be close to your idol in any profession is priceless. Nearing Di Stefano's appearances total was also special, but I'm taking things game by game and am just trying to win all the silverware I can."
The policy at Real Madrid for choosing the club captain is on the basis of the number of games played. And it is for this reason that the Brazilian is the club’s vice-captain since only Sergio Ramos has been at the Bernabeu for a longer period.
"More than being a source of pride, [being captain] a responsibility," he said. "It involves teaching the younger lads and setting an example. I try to give my all in each and every game and training session to learn from my teammates and teach the youngsters things."
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