According to a source, Lazio has considered signing former Real Madrid defender Marcelo this summer on a free transfer. Marcelo departed from the Los Blancos after his contract expired, ending his 15-and-a-half-year tenure with the team. Now, the 34-year-old is still without a club.
Having won six La Liga titles, five UEFA Champions League trophies, and a host of other awards, the 34-year-old departs Real Madrid as the most accomplished player in the club’s history.
He joined Real Madrid from Fluminense in January 2007. Marcelo has since made a total of 544 appearances for the club, assisting 104 goals and scoring 34 times. His flamboyant attacking style was a treat to watch, and he formed a deadly duo with Cristiano Ronaldo. However, he slowed down with age, and became the second choice after the arrival of Ferland Mendy from Lyon.
Where Will Marcelo End Up?
Given that the majority of bids had come from the Middle East, it was uncertain whether Marcelo would be able to find a suitable team in Europe. However, since his son plays for the Real Madrid academy, he prefers to remain as near Spain as possible.
According to Marca, although Turkey was a probable destination for Marcelo, French club Marseille and Italian club Lazio have also made offers. Reigning Serie A champions AC Milan are interested as well.
La Gazzetta dello Sport report that Lazio have taken concrete steps recently in order to sign the legendary fullback. According to the report, Marcelo’s wage demands are a roadblock at the moment, but a transfer is still a possibility.
Marcelo would team up with former Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri at the Stadio Olimpico if he made the transfer there. Sarri led Lazio to a fifth-place Serie A finish the previous campaign. The addition of Marcelo would be an exciting one, and can perhaps propel them towards Champions League football.
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