REAL MADRID
Marcelo hits 32 with an eye on Roberto Carlos' record
Marcelo returned to training with Real Madrid on Tuesday after the coronavirus lockdown. He turned 32 on the same day with his idols record in his sight.
Marcelo turned 32 on Tuesday with his batteries recharged. The break caused by coronavirus came at a good time for the Brazilian, who was out with a hamstring injury he suffered against Real Betis and was set to miss a large chunk of the end of the season -- the lockown caused by the pandemic brought him some extra recovery time. Javier Tebas wants LaLiga back on 12 June and the 32-year-old is ready.
Working at home, Marcelo has been working tirelessly during the quarantine. On Real Madrid's social media accounts, they have been showing the players returning to work and Marcelo has kept himself in good shape. Having attended the test for coronavirus last Wednesday as well as the first day back to work, he looks slim and sharp.
Marcelo eyes up Roberto Carlos appearance record for foreigner
As AS explained on 1 April and as has been confirmed by the player himself on his Instagram, he is only thinking about Real Madrid and doesn't want to leave, the club he arrived at in 2006 and where he has become the team's second captain. In almost 14 years, he has lifted four Champions League, four LaLiga titles, four Club World Cup, four Spanish Super Cups and three European Super Cups and Copa del Reys. Only Paco Gento (23) has won more titles than him and Sergio Ramos (both on 21).
Marcelo finishes his contract in 2022 and one of his objectives, along with the collective hunger the team harbours for more trophies, is to surpass Roberto Carlos for appearances. The former Brazilian left-back played 527 for Real Madrid, which is the most by any foreign player ever.
Carlos is an idol and friend of Marcelo. The latter is currently on 505 games and he will need another season too overtake his friend but with 11 games and whatever is left in the Champions League, he continues to close in on what is a special and impressive record.