“To me, he was God” – Marcelo says it was “unreal” to join Roberto Carlos at Madrid

Real Madrid defender Marcelo has revealed that it was “unreal” to join the same club as his idol Roberto Carlos.

Marcelo left Fluminense to sign for Real in January 2007 when his compatriot Carlos, widely seen as one of the greatest left-backs of all time, was still playing for the club.

Marcelo told Sky: “I think the reason that everything seemed so unreal to me was that Roberto Carlos was my idol. To me, he was God. To come into the same team as Roberto, at the same position, I couldn’t believe it.”

Over ten years later Marcelo remains at Real and has amassed 413 appearances for the club, winning an array of trophies including three Champions Leagues, four La Ligas and two Copa del Reys.

Last season Marcelo produced some excellent performances as he helped Real to win the La Liga title – he averaged three defensive actions per game, while he provided a significant attacking threat as he created 43 chances, while he also played a major part in their Champions League success.

Despite having achieved so much already in his career, Marcelo in still only 29 years old, suggesting that the Brazil international can continue to play at the highest level for some time to come.