Marcelo confirms Real Madrid exit after Champions League final

By Selcuk Bugra Gokalp

ANKARA (AA) - Marcelo Vieira confirmed his Real Madrid exit after the UEFA Champions League final on Saturday, in which the Spanish club beat Liverpool 1-0 to become kings of Europe for a record 14th time.

"It's not a day of sadness, I'm leaving with a lot of joy, grateful to the fans and the magical nights I've experienced at the Bernabeu," the 34-year-old said during the trophy ceremony.

Earlier, it was being said that the Spanish club were unwilling to renew his contract, despite his desire to stay.

Marcelo joined Real Madrid from Brazilian club Fluminese in 2007 to fill the shoes of Roberto Carlos, who left for Turkiye's Fenerbahce.

Marcelo is the most decorated player in Los Merengues history as he helped them win 25 titles – including five UEFA Champions League trophies – during his 15 seasons at the club. He scored 38 goals and made 103 assists in 545 games for the Madrid team.