Marcelo: "There's a great sense of unity within the squad"
The Real Madrid left-back said of Vinicius: "I'm helping Vinicius as much as I can. He's amazing because he really listens and wants to learn".
Real Madrid left-back Marcelo Vieira took part in a promotional event in the capital this morning after which he spoke about the mood at the club following Zinedine Zidane's return. Marcelo, one of the team's four captains, told reporters, "The captaincy is a source of pride for me and a great responsibility. We represent the club and always have to promote the club's name in a positive way. It's a role I enjoy; it's a real pleasure for me".
The Real Madrid family
The defender spoke about life inside the dressing room at Real Madrid: "Whenever a new player joins, they are always given a warm welcome and well received. There's a great sense of unity, we're like a family and they have taught me values and how to respect others. Sergio and myself have been here a long time and we've seen a lot of players come and go. Sometimes, when new players arrive, you can tell that they can't really believe they are in the Real Madrid dressing room but when you first arrive at this club, that's the moment when it all starts", he explained.
Marcelo, who joined as a teenager in 2006, is the second player to have spent the longest time at the club after Sergio Ramos, who signed a year before him. Together, they have won every honour in club football. "It's really nice that our fans feel close to the players. In our recent triumphs, Sergio Ramos has been generous enough to take me with him when we are presented with a trophy - I've got so many great memories, such as putting a Real Madrid scarf on the Cibeles fountain", Marcelo continued.
Helping the younger players settle in
He also had positive words to say about his compatriot, Vinicius. "I'm helping Vinicius as much as I can. He's an amazing guy because he really listens and wants to learn. He's eager to pick up the language and start speaking Spanish. I enjoy writing things down for him to help him learn", he added.
Roberto Carlos, the greatest
To end, Marcelo spoke about starting out in Madrid and having to carve out his own place in a side full of superstars. "It was a bit strange when I first arrived because playing in the left-back position was Roberto Carlos, my idol of all-time. I remember him helping me out a lot and for that reason, I'll always have a lot of affection and respect for him. For me, he's still the best full-back there's ever been".