Marcelo Steps into Ramos’ Shoes as Madrid Confirm Him as New Captain

Marcelo has taken over as Real Madrid captain from Sergio Ramos following the Spaniard’s departure, the LaLiga giants have confirmed.

Captain of six years Ramos brought an end to his 20-season career at the Santiago Bernabeu after agreeing a move to Paris Saint-Germain this summer.

And now another long-standing stalwart in the Spanish capital will inherit the armband with the 33-year-old Brazilian, who himself is preparing for his 16th season in the Spanish capital, confirmed as the new skipper.

After taking over the armband, Marcelo told the club’s official site: “It’s an honour and an enormous responsibility to be captain of the greatest club in the world. I’m extremely lucky.

“When you are a Real Madrid player you wake up every day full of desire and that grows after every season. I’ve been here for a long time, but the desire is still there and it just keeps on growing. I’m really looking forward to the start of the new season.

“I learn a lot every season, there’s always something new. I’m even more excited about this campaign because I’m Real Madrid captain. It’s a dream come true for me and I believe I’ve done everything I can to be here for such a long time.”

Marcelo was the obvious choice to take over as captain after 528 appearances for Los Blancos since arriving in 2007 in a successful period where he has won trophy after trophy.

He has won five LaLiga titles and four Champions Leagues amidst a host of others as the starting left-back for the majority of his time.

He featured less regularly under Zinedine Zidane last season after facing competition from Farland Mendy for the starting berth, but still remains an integral part of the side.

Zidane departed after a trophy-less season at the Bernabeu, with Carlo Ancelotti returning for his second stint as boss.

And Marcelo is aware of the need for improvement as they look to wrestle the LaLiga title back from rivals Atletico Madrid and go far in the Champions League once again.

“We’re aware that it’s very tough to go through a season without winning a title, but we fought till the end of the season,” Marcelo added.

“I’m sure we’re going to win something. We’re very happy, we’ve still got players to come back from international duty or on holiday, but we’re very motivated for the season to start.”

“It’s difficult to play such a stop-start match.”

Brazil managed to up the pressure again at the end of the half but they lacked a killer touch against some full-blooded defending – Montiel even finished the game with his white sock soaked in blood.

When Brazil substitute Gabriel Barbosa fired a volley on target, Martinez was equal to it.

Messi slipped embarrassingly late on with a chance to clinch victory but it mattered little as moments later his teammates were tossing him in the air to celebrate their win.