Real Madrid great Marcelo announces retirement

Marcelo celebrates after winning the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid in the past. [AFP]

Former Real Madrid left-back Marcelo announced his retirement from professional football on Thursday after a trophy-laden career.

The 36-year-old spent 16 years at Spanish giants Madrid, winning six La Liga titles and five Champions League trophies.

"At 18, Real Madrid came knocking on my door and I arrived here," Marcelo said in a video posted on social media. "Now, I can proudly say that I am a true 'Madrileno'.

"What a journey. Real Madrid is a unique club."

Marcelo enjoyed a strong relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo, lifting four Champions Leagues with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

The pair both scored in the 2014 final victory over Atletico Madrid when Real ended a 12-year wait for their 10th European Cup.

"My brother, what an incredible career! We have lived a lot together, it has been years of achievements, victories and unforgettable moments," Ronaldo said in a post on Instagram.

"More than a teammate, a partner for life."

Marcelo also won the Copa del Rey twice and the Club World Cup four times during his time with Los Blancos, for whom he made 546 appearances, scoring 38 goals.

"One of the greatest left-backs in Real Madrid and world football history, and we had the privilege of watching him for a long time," said Real Madrid president Florentino Perez in a statement.

"He is one of our greatest legends and Real Madrid is and always will be his home."

Marcelo was an unused substitute in the 2022 Champions League final when his compatriot Vinicius Junior scored the only goal against Liverpool.

"Thank you for your advice, for your reprimands, for the time spent by your side," said Vinicius on social media.

"We were victorious on the field and we are friends off it."

Marcelo made 58 appearances for the Brazil national team, playing at the 2014 and 2018 World Cups and winning the 2013 Confederations Cup.

He was part of the teams that won a silver medal at the 2012 Olympics and bronze in Beijing in 2008.

"Playing for my country since the youth categories has also been a great honour," he said.

"In my memory I will always cherish two Olympic medals and a Confederations Cup."

Marcelo started his career with Brazilian club Fluminense before leaving for Real.

When he finally left the Santiago Bernabeu he joined Greek club Olympiakos but terminated his contract after just five months to rejoin Fluminense.

Marcelo helped his home team win the Copa Libertadores for the first time with victory over Boca Juniors in the 2023 final.

He left the club by mutual consent last November and has not played since.