Marcelo
Marcelo has won 25 trophies at Real Madrid, more than any other player

Fifteen years after arriving at Real Madrid with a plan to succeed Roberto Carlos, Marcelo will leave the European giants as the most decorated player in the club's history.

Paco Gento had six European Cups in the 1950s and 60s, but he was overtaken by the Spaniard when he won his sixth La Liga title last month.

It is my last game at Real Madrid and it is an incredible emotion. It is not a sad day.

Despite not playing in the final, Marcelo was animated on the touchline as Real closed out a 14th European Cup triumph and then lifted the trophy at the Plaza de Cibeles on Sunday.

The left-back draped a flag and scarf over the goddess at the fountain of Cybele, where Real traditionally celebrate titles with their fans, before hoisting the trophy aloft in front of thousands of supporters.

It is a wonderful moment in my life. I close a cycle here, in the best club in the world, and I dreamed of lifting the trophy after replacing Ramos as captain this season.

Today is not a day of sadness, but a day of joy because we have once again won the best championship in the world. I am proud of myself and my family. We have lived together many times.

The future of Madrid is very good with the young players. It is called "Hala Madrid!"

Marcelo, Roberto Carlos and Cicinho
Marcelo and Roberto Carlos spent half a season together at Real Madrid

When Real Madrid convinced the 19-year-old to join them from Fluminense in January 2007, Ramon Calderon said he was ready to step in whenever Roberto Carlos left.

The left-back was the team's first choice for a decade and was considered an idol by his mentor.

On his first day in Madrid, the senior player walked over to him and handed him his phone number and said, "You need anything, call me."

Roberto Carlos left for Fenerbahce that summer, and has since claimed that he was a better player than he was.

He went on to play for Real more than 500 times, winning the La Liga, the European Super Cup, the Spanish Super Cup, and the Copa del Rey twice.

He received praise from both Roberto Carlos and Paolo Maldini.

Fernando Hierro, a former Real Madrid defender, said that the skipper remained an important influence on the team despite his decreased game time.

He is the most celebrated player of Real Madrid and it was not easy to replace Roberto Carlos.

Marcelo is a very special player. He brings a lot of joy to the game, he is a nice player to watch, and he is also very friendly and a lovely person. He is the most decorated player in the history of the club.

The defender suggested that it might not be the last time he is seen at the Bernabeu after Real boss Carlo Ancelotti described him as a legend and my friend.

I have to do something about this club. I will return to Real Madrid one day, but I have some football left.

Marcelo has been involved in five of Real Madrid's 14 European Cup wins
Marcelo has been involved in five of Real Madrid's 14 European Cup wins
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