‘Difficult to leave Real Madrid? Not so much, actually. If I’d known earlier that this new stage of my life would be so satisfying, I would have retired back in 2018!’ Former Los Blancos star has no regret over hanging up his boots

Real Madrid is undoubtedly one of the most difficult clubs to play for in world football.

Not only are you up against the best of the best every single day in training, but you’re also at the behest of a demanding and sometimes unforgiving Los Blancos crowd.

No team has won even half as many Champions Leagues as the side from the Spanish capital – with such history comes great responsibility.

Marcelo reveals how much he’s enjoying post-Real Madrid life

Brazilian full-back Marcelo is one of the few who managed to clock more than 15 years at the club, joining from Fluminense in 2007 and departing in 2022 for Greek outfit Olympiacos.

He enjoyed a career littered with success and silverware with the La Liga giants, a record that some might struggle to climb down from, but no for the 37-year-old.

“Not so much, actually,” he replied when FourFourTwo asked whether it had been difficult to leave Madrid.

“I was always very aware of where I came from. I arrived in Madrid barely 18 years old and left with a clear conscience, my head held high and the feeling of having fulfilled my duty.

“When I joined the club, my thought was, ‘I want to help this team win more titles.’ I’ve even seen a photo of me saying that.

“Of course, I had no idea what Real Madrid really was, a club that had already accumulated so many successes. With the perspective of time, it was a somewhat naïve comment – people were surprised by it.

“Ultimately, we won an enormous amount. I think I left in a very good way, and very happy.”

Marcelo officially announced his retirement at the start of 2025, having completed the circle of his career by finishing at Fluminense.

In 2022, he’d surpassed club legend Paco Gento’s record of 23 trophies at Los Blancos, a chart now topped by Luka Modric on 28 – it’s no surprise a slower way of life suits Marcelo now.

“If I’d known earlier that this new stage of my life would be so satisfying, then I would have left football back in 2018!” he said. “I still like fooball a lot, but now I enjoy playing casual games, without feeling the pressure – pulling off a nutmeg is pure happiness!

“I have many projects, but football has always been about having fun for me. During my career I didn’t have problems, but there were criticisms, constant pressure and an obligation to win.

“For my whole life I’d been surrounded by pressure. It wasn’t that I was tired, but I felt it was enough and that the moment had arrived. I think I made the right decision.”