Real Madrid legend Marcelo ready to make big call over his future
Think of a Real Madrid team over the last decade or so, and Brazilian left-back Marcelo's name isn't far from your thoughts.
The 33-year-old has made over 500 appearances for Los Blancos and has won five La Liga titles, four Champions League winners medals and two Copa Del Rey trophies with the club.
But it now appears that Marcelo's time at the Bernabeu is nearing its end, with the player's contract set to expire in the summer.
And after 16 years in Spain, reports are he will return home to Brazil and his first club Fluminense.
According to reports from Ole via Diario AS, Marcelo will reject offers from European clubs to rejoin the club he left in 2006 to join Real as a fresh-faced 18-year-old.
Marcelo's return to Brazil squad
Marcelo was made Madrid captain following the departure of Sergio Ramos to PSG in the summer but has only featured five times this season under manager Carlo Ancelotti. He hopes a move to Fluminense could see him make the Brazil squad for Qatar 2022.
He announced his retirement from the international team after the 2018 World Cup in Russia but has decided to come out of retirement for next years competition.
The player has played 58 times for the national side since he scored on his debut in a friendly against Wales at White Hart Lane in 2006.
His last game for Brazil, currently ranked second in the FIFA world rankings, came in the 2-1 Quarter-Final defeat to Belgium in 2018.
Marcelo attempt at Real Madrid record-breaking
Marcelo's last season in the Spanish capital presents the player with a chance of breaking a long-standing record at Los Blancos.
The great Paco Gento holds the record for most titles won whilst wearing the famous white of Real Madrid.
Gento won 23 trophies with the club and has held this accolade since 1971.
Marcelo has won 22 at the Bernabeu and, with the side currently leading La Liga by eight points, is likely he could equal and perhaps even surpass the 50-year-old record.