Marcelo succeeds Ramos as Real captain

The experienced Brazilian defender, Marcelo, has just been appointed as the new captain of Real in replacement of Sergio Ramos.

Marcelo has inherited the captaincy of Real Madrid after the departure of Sergio Ramos.

Los Blancos saw their legendary fullback leave them as a free player after 16 years at the club and sign for PSG. Another long-time stalwart at Santiago Bernabeu will now wear the armband, in the person of the 33-year-old Brazilian, who is also about to embark on his 16th season in the Spanish capital. Carlo Ancelotti, the new captain of the team, gave him this honor.

Marcelo told this information in an interview on the official website of the club: “It is an honor and a huge responsibility to be captain of the biggest club in the world. I am extremely lucky. When you are a Real Madrid player, you wake up every day full of desire and it grows after each season. I’ve been here for a long time, but the desire is always there and it keeps growing. I’m really looking forward to the start of the new season.”

The former Fluminense player also assured that he is not at all jaded, despite all this time spent at the highest level: “I learn a lot every season, there is always something new. I’m even more excited about this campaign because I’m captain of Real Madrid. It’s a dream come true for me and I think I’ve done everything I can to be here for a long time.”

The South American left back has palliated Ramos in such an important role in the past. So it won’t be anything new for him.

His vast experience has made him an obvious candidate to take on such a responsibility on a permanent basis and now he is eager to set an example. He added: “I have always tried to bring some of my enthusiasm and responsibility to help the young people as well as those who have been here for a long time. Support is always welcome. I’m always looking to learn new things and I also need the help of my teammates. I believe that as a captain, I am the voice of the team and I will always look to help as much as I can, just as I always have.”

Marcelo has, since his arrival in January 2007, honored 528 appearances for Real. He has helped them win five La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns, but ended last season without a single trophy.