Real Madrid News
Real Madrid legend close to retiring, does not want to play outside Europe
After 15 incredible years playing at Real Madrid, Marcelo called his time at Santiago Bernabeu quits after the end of the 2021/22 season.
The Brazilian was able to lift the Champions League and La Liga at the end of his term, before officially handing over the captain’s armband to Karim Benzema.
At 34, Marcelo’s next club was uncertain, but it was expected he could leave for MLS or the Middle East for one last big paycheck.
In a shocking turn of events, MARCA have reported that Marcelo is closer to retiring than, in fact, continuing football. He is not tempted by the offers from MLS or the Qatari League, and as it stands, is focusing on his entrepreneurial duties.
The legendary defender has been preparing for life after football for a while now. He owns two football clubs right now: Azuriz in Brazil and Mafra in Portugal.
While Marcelo wanted to continue playing football, it seems he does not have offers from any top European club. He does not want to settle for anything less, too, and as such, retirement has become an option for him.
That said, he knows he can always return to Madrid, albeit in a different role, but as for his immediate future, we might have seen the last of the great left-back.
Real Madrid have finally received some good news as MARCA confirms that Nacho has finally made his decision about his future, and is set to continue at the club for the foreseeable future.
His contract expires in the summer, and Real Madrid had tabled an extension for the player, which was not accepted by the Spaniard at the time. Now, however, he has decided to reject offers from Juventus, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and AC Milan.
Nacho will sign a one year extension, with the option to extend for another year if both parties reach an agreement.
His continuity also means that he will be the new club captain for the 2023/24 season, since Karim Benzema is leaving the club on a free transfer in the summer. Luka Modric will be second captain, followed by Daniel Carvajal and Toni Kroos.
Carlo Ancelotti has also spoken to the player, confirming that they trust him for next season in the team, which has gone a long way in helping convince the player.
The Italian gaffer also spoke about the Spanish defender’s contract situation after the game against Athletic Club yesterday, saying:
“Asensio, Nacho and Ceballos? We have explained them their roles. The club have offered them renewals. Asensio has preferred to leave, Ceballos and Nacho are still thinking about it.”
While a centre-back by trade, Nacho has played across the defence for Madrid continuously, including putting shifts at left-back, right-back, and even centre-back.
His departure would have probably pushed Madrid to sign another defender, especially since they are considering selling Ferland Mendy if a good offer arrives.
Regardless of that, though, Madrid are moving to sign Alphonso Davies, and have already made initial contacts with the player. Bayern Munich have not rejected their advances.
Further, the los blancos management have already met with Davies’ entourage twice, cementing their interest in the Canadian ace.
