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Football players and managers aren't always able to see eye to eye. Disagreements can even lead to drastic changes, with Marcelo a key example of this with his exit from Fluminense in November. The legendary left-back began his career at the Brazilian outfit ahead of a move to Spanish behemoths Real Madrid in January 2007. Marcelo enjoyed a glittering spell at the Bernabeu to become one of the greatest players of all-time in his position. Six La Liga and five Champions League titles were just some of the honours he received throughout the bulk of his decorated career. After 15-and-a-half seasons in Madrid, he left in 2022 for Olympiacos before completing an emotional return to Fluminense a year later. Campeonato Carioca and Copa Libertadores success followed to add even more silverware to his extensive list of triumphs. Real Madrid - 2007 to 2022 Fluminense - 2005 to 2007 and 2023 to 2024 Brazil - 2006 to 2018 Individual honours But a touchline incident with head coach Mano Menezes in November would spell an abrupt end to his career in football. During Fluminense's 2-2 draw at home to Gremio in the Brazilian Serie A, Marcelo was readying himself for a substitute appearance. Menezes appeared to be giving him instructions before bringing him onto the pitch for the remaining moments of the match. However, Marcelo seemed to shake his head in response and was then pushed away from the pitch by his head coach in a tense moment. The defender returned to the bench as John Kennedy replaced Keno as part of a quick change of plan. Marcelo left the match as an unused substitute and in another crazy twist, a statement announcing his departure was swiftly revealed. "Fluminense FC and Marcelo Vieira announce the termination of their contract by mutual agreement between the parties, " it read. "A graduate of the youth teams, Marcelo returned to Fluminense in 2023, having participated in the conquest of the 2023 Campeonato Carioca titles, the unprecedented 2023 Conmebol Libertadores titles and the 2024 Recopa. "The institutional and emotional ties between Fluminense and Marcelo continue to be maintained. The athlete's name was recently immortalized at the Xerem training center stadium. "Fluminense thanks Marcelo and will continue, as always, to support his success in all his challenges. " Menezes was unsurprisingly asked about the incident in his post-match press conference, but he offered little explanation. He said: "I was going to put Marcelo in at that moment, but I heard something I didn’t like, so I changed my mind. " Four days later, Marcelo announced his retirement from football. Cristiano Ronaldo was among his former Madrid teammates who paid tribute to the defender after such an incredible 19-year run. Marcelo may have left the club seven months ago, but his efforts in their Copa Libertadores title win sealed their 2025 summer plans. Fluminense qualified for the Club World Cup thanks to their victory in South America's premier club competition. They started their campaign in Group F with a 0-0 draw against Borussia Dortmund at the Met Life Stadium. South Korean side Ulsan HD FC are their next opponents on Saturday evening before a final fixture with Mamelodi Sundowns FC. Fluminense will meet the Group E runners-up in the last 16 if they finish top, whilst second-place would welcome the Group E winners. Watch all of the FIFA Club World Cup free on DAZN. Sign up now so you don't miss any of the action. © 2025 talk SPORT Limited
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