FORMER BRAZIL STAR Marcelo has announced his retirement from football at the age of 36.

The defender, who won 25 trophies, including five Champions Leagues, in 546 appearances during his 16-year stay with Real Madrid, has decided to call it a day after returning to first club Fluminense, who have renamed their academy stadium in his honour.

In a video posted on his official X account, 58-cap Marcelo said: “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 knocked on my door and I arrived here. Now, I can proudly say that I am a true Madrileno. Here, alongside my wife, I have built a family.

“Sixteen seasons, 25 titles, five Champions Leagues, one of the captains and so many magical nights at the Bernabeu. What a journey. Real Madrid is a unique club. Madridismo is an indescribable feeling.

“Playing for my country since the youth categories has also been a great honour. In my memory, 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 younger generations with the Marcelo Vieira Stadium.

“My journey as a player ends here, but I still have so much to give to football. Thank you for everything.”

Madrid president Florentino Perez described Marcelo, who left the club for Olympiacos during the summer of 2022, as “one of our greatest legends”.

In a statement on the club’s official website, Perez said: “(He is) one of the greatest left-backs in Real Madrid and world football history, and we had the privilege of watching him for a long time.

“He is one of our greatest legends and Real Madrid is and always will be his home.”