Cristiano Ronaldo joined Real Madrid in a record-breaking £80m move in 2009, but his arrival led one of his new team-mates to consider leaving the club after their previous clash
Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Real Madrid prompted one of his new team-mates to consider leaving (
Image: DANI POZO/AFP via Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo helped create a new era of success for Real Madrid, but his arrival almost pushed Marcelo to leave the club.
In 2009, Real sanctioned a world-record £80million move for Ronaldo, following his remarkable displays for Manchester United. The Portuguese forward had fired United to three consecutive Premier League titles and achieved Champions glory in 2008, receiving his first Ballon d’Or award that December.
Ronaldo was joined in the Spanish capital by Kaka, Karim Benzema and Xabi Alonso in the same transfer window as the club attempted to create a new generation of Galacticos. Although success was not immediate for the expensively assembled squad, Ronaldo would later star for Real as the club won the Champions League four times in five years.
A period of European dominance only bettered by the La Liga giants themselves in the 1950s, Brazilian defender Marcelo featured in all four Champions League final triumphs. However, after hearing of Ronaldo’s impending arrival, he considered leaving Real, having clashed with the Portuguese forward a few months earlier.
“My relationship with Cristiano started with a fight,” Marcelo revealed on La Revuelta. “I kicked him; he was very fast. He passed by, elbowed me, and I kicked him, and he grabbed me by the neck. I tried as well, but he was very tall,” he laughed.
The incident occurred during Brazil’s 6-2 win over Portugal in November 2008. Despite only sharing the pitch for several minutes, it was enough to rile up Marcelo, who was booked shortly after coming on as a substitute. “I received the message that Madrid was going to sign him in two months. And I thought, blimey, I’m leaving,” he admitted.
Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo celebrate during their time at Real Madrid ( Angel Martinez/Real Madrid via Getty Images)
The pair then became team-mates at club level for nine years, but they never lost that competitive edge. “We’ve grabbed each other by the neck in training many times; it’s normal,” Marcelo said.
Together, they won two La Liga titles, two Copa del Reys, three Club World Cups, and the Champions League trophy on four occasions. Marcelo spent 16 years at the Santiago Bernabeu and won 25 trophies overall.
The 36-year-old left Madrid in 2022 and had brief spells at Olympiacos and Fluminense. He announced his retirement last month, and Ronaldo congratulated him on his illustrious career.
“My brother, what an incredible career,” Ronaldo wrote on social media. “We’ve lived through so much together – years of achievements, victories, and unforgettable moments. More than a team-mate, a lifelong companion. Thank you for everything, my friend. I wish you all the best in this new stage of your life.”
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