Marcelo values Copa Libertadores more than 5 Champions League titles

Brazil According to the Brazilian defender, the championship he just won with his childhood club Fluminense is the biggest title of his career, more than what he has achieved with Real.

Marcelo (below, right) and teammates celebrate the Copa Libertadores title. Photo: AP

Yesterday, at home at the Maracana Stadium, Fluminense defeated Boca Juniors 2-1 in the Copa Libertadores final. This is the first time in the 121-year history that the Rio de Janeiro team has won the most prestigious club tournament in South America.

"I have just won a very important title with a special club that has given me everything to develop my career, with people who have witnessed my growth. There is nothing more valuable than this title. It is priceless," Marcelo said. "I will always be indebted to Fluminense, and finally my mission has been fulfilled. There is nothing more."

Marcelo played for Fluminense from 2005 to 2007 before joining Real in January 2007. At the Bernabeu, the Brazilian defender scored 38 goals in 546 matches, winning 25 titles including: six La Liga, two King's Cups, five Spanish Super Cups, five Champions Leagues, three European Super Cups and four FIFA Club World Cups.

Marcelo left the Spanish club in 2022. After half a season playing for Olympiacos in Greece, he returned to Fluminense in February.

Marcelo was a great contributor to Real's journey to conquer the Champions League titles. Photo: Shutterstock — Marcelo was a great contributor to Real's journey to conquer the Champions League titles. Photo: *Shutterstock*

By winning the Copa Libertadores, Fluminense went straight to the semi-finals of the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup. Marcelo became the 15th player to win both the Champions League and the Copa Libertadores.

"Real understands how I feel. This is the most important title for me, at club level, because this is where I grew up," the 35-year-old defender added. "Many people have criticised us, but today Fluminense are the kings of the Copa Libertadores. At first I cried, I felt nervous, but now there is nothing but happiness."

Ha Do (according to ESPN )

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