Back to his roots

The prodigal son returns home. After 16 years of playing in European football, legendary Brazilian left-back Marcelo is back at Fluminense. The Tricolours agreed to sign the 34-year-old defender after he got his contract with Olympiacos terminated a few days ago. A Real Madrid idol, Marcelo will be the club's ninth reinforcement for 2023, as the famous Rio de Janeiro club aims to win the Copa Libertadores.

Marcelo signs with Fluminense until the end of 2024, with the possibility of an extension until 2025. He is expected to arrive in Rio between 10 and 15 March.

"I'm going back to the place where it all began. It's still difficult to express what this moment means to me. I've dreamed of returning to my origins for many years, to the team that formed me and taught me what I know about football."

Not even half a year together, and they are already breaking up: Marcelo is leaving Olympiacos

The 58-times Brazil international will wear shirt number 12 at Fluminense after goalkeeper Vitor Eudes agreed to give it up for the legendary defender who made history at Real Madrid wearing the number 12 on his back.

Marcelo became a professional in 2005 at Fluminense, where he won the Carioca title and was elected the best left-back in the Brazilian Championship the following year. Joining Real Madrid, he became the player with the most titles in the history of the Spanish club. Then he spent about six forgettable months at Olympiacos.

Ninth reinforcement of the season, he joins goalkeeper Vitor Eudes, right-back Guga, defender Vitor Mendes, left-back Jorge, midfielders Giovanni, Gabriel Pirani and Lima and striker Keno, who arrived at Fluminense ahead of the 2023 season.

There is doubt about which position Marcelo will play for the Tricolour. In Greece, he played just ten games and played more as a midfielder than a full-back. He scored three goals, all in Greek Cup ties, and has not played since 11 January. The problem is that the left-back is currently suffering from a virus and will fly back to his homeland as soon as he recovers.