Marcelo looks back on ‘difficult’ year

Real Madrid defender Marcelo has revealed he didn’t always enjoy the season just ended, especially being dropped for the Champions League final.

Carlo Ancelotti preferred Fabio Coentrao to the Brazil international for the game against Atletico Madrid, only to introduce Marcelo in the second-half.

Marcelo went on to score Madrid’s third goal of the 4-1 win and he has told the Brazilian media that it was a low point in his career.

“It has been a difficult season for me. Only I know what I went through to play that game and it was a sacrifice,” AS reports the left-back as saying.

“Playing in the final and scoring was a relief and a sense of accomplishment. My family were very helpful and so was my work.”

He was asked about the difference in his role at club level and with his country but baulked at the suggestion one team was better than the other.

“Is Madrid stronger than the national team? One’s a club and the other’s a national team. They have nothing to do with each other,” Marcelo replied.

“Do you think Brazil is missing cracks? Is that question yours?

“I think it’s despicable. You look at our team, the players that are here. And those who were left off the list.

“I haven’t secured a place in this team. That would be disrespectful to Maxwell. We are in the same boat, both fighting for a spot.”

Marcelo also offered his thoughts on the state of the Spain team a year after Brazil conquered La Roja in the Confederations Cup, and also the protests in Brazil at the hosting of the World Cup.

“The picture I have of my arrival at the airport is one of happiness and the people encouraging me,” he said.

“Everyone can express their opinion as long as there’s no appeals to violence.

“Today Spain are the best in the world. Although I saw no change after Brazil beat Spain. Before that they respected Brazil very much and they continue to do so.”

Tags Brazil Marcelo World Cup 2014
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