Marcelo's 2007 Real Madrid Moment: He Thought the Club's Interest Was a Lie
19 December 2025
The transfer that almost didn't happen
The Brazilian star Marcelo, a Real Madrid icon, recalls the behind-the-scenes of his move in January 2007.
He joined Real Madrid in winter 2007 from Fluminense, spent many years at the club, left in 2022 to Olympiakos.
He returned to Fluminense before announcing his retirement in February.
In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, he remembered thinking Real Madrid's interest was a hoax.
A club official came to him and asked very personal questions: about a girlfriend, about having children, about studies.
He recalls thinking it wasn't Real Madrid; the only thing they cared about was his family.
After a week he traveled to Madrid and signed. Sevilla also wanted him at that time. It was a period with many Brazilians.
And yes, the transfer saga will forever be remembered as a masterclass in misreading signals.
