Marcelo: Brazilian defender leaves Fluminense as contract terminated

Former Brazil and Real Madrid defender Marcelo has left Brazilian Serie A club Fluminense by mutual consent.

Although the club confirmed the 36-year-old’s departure on Saturday, it did not disclose why his contract has been terminated

Marcelo had a disagreement with coach Mano Menezes during Friday’s 2-2 draw with Gremio at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro.

The full-back, who won 25 trophies in his 15-year spell with Spanish giants Real, was about to come on as a substitute when Menezes reacted to something Marcelo said and ordered him back to the bench.

“I was going to put Marcelo in at that moment, but I heard something I didn’t like, so I changed my mind,” Menezes said in a post-match press conference, without giving further details.

Marcelo came through the youth ranks at Fluminense and briefly played in the first team before earning a move to Real in January 2007.

He rejoined his boyhood club in February 2023 following a brief stint with Greek side Olympiakos in 2022, and the stadium at Fluminense’s training centre was renamed after Marcelo two months ago.

“The institutional and emotional ties between Fluminense and Marcelo continue to be maintained,” read a club statement., external

“Fluminense thanks Marcelo and will continue, as always, to support his success in all his challenges.”