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By DOMINIC HOGAN Published: 01: 04 AEDT, 7 February 2025 | Updated: 04: 19 AEDT, 7 February 2025 2 View comments Marcelo, the former Real Madrid and Brazil left back and one of the all-time greats in his position, announced his retirement on Thursday at the age of 36. An attacking left back, Marcelo had one of the most trophy-filled careers in history thanks to his time at Madrid from 2007-22 and his return to boyhood Brazilian club Fluminense across 2023-24.   His trophy cabinet is one that even some of the all-time legends of the game would be jealous of, proving a vital component of the all-conquering Real Madrid side of the 2010s.   In total, the Brazilian racked up 546 games for Los Blancos, scoring 38 goals and providing an impressive 103 assists. With 28 titles at senior level for club and country, Marcelo departs the game as one of the most decorated players ever. Though for some fans, he will perhaps be best remembered for his exquisite fits-touch control, often famously stopping the ball dead under his boot after a long range pass to immaculate effect.    Former Real Madrid captain Marcelo has announced his retirement after a 20-year career The left back played over 50 times for his country, winning the Confederations Cup Forever grateful ? #M12 pic. twitter. com/k8GP19sybd The Brazilian, capped 58 times for his country, posted a touching video on social media to announce he was hanging up his boots for good. 'My love for football comes from my grandfather. He wanted me to become a professional footballer, and he did everything possible to make it happen.   'At 18, Real Madrid came knocking on my door and I arrived here. Now I can proudly say that I am a true Madrileno.   '16 seasons, 25 titles, five Champions Leagues, one of the captains. .. and so many magical nights at the Bernabeu. What a journey! Madrid is a unique club.   'Playing for my country since the youth categories has also been a great honour. I will always cherish two Olympic medals and a Confederations Cup. 'Returning to Fluminense meant giving back to the club what they initially gave me. Helping them to win three titles, including the Copa Libertadores, and leaving a legacy for the next generation with the Marcelo Viera Stadium.   'My journey as a player ends here, but I still have so much to give to football. Thank you for everything. ' Marcelo joined Madrid as a teenager, and after lifting the Champions League five times, and the Spanish league six times, left an icon in 2022. He returned to boyhood club Fluminense where he helped them to the Copa Libertadores title Marcelo departs the game as one Real Madrid's most successful players with 25 senior titles at the Bernabeu As such, club president Florentino Perez hailed his former charge as one of the club's 'greatest legends'.   'Marcelo is one of the greatest left-backs in the history of Real Madrid and world football, and we have had the privilege of enjoying him for a long time. 'He is one of our greatest legends and Real Madrid is and will always be his home. ' After a brief spell with Olympiacos in Greece, Marcelo moved to Fluminense - where he started his career - and won the Copa Libertadores. He left the club in November, agreeing a mutual termination with Fluminense, after falling out with manager Mano Menezes.   Marcelo played for Brazil at the World Cup in 2014 and 2018, and won Olympic medals in 2008 (bronze) and 2012 (silver). Published by Associated Newspapers Ltd Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group