Real Madrid’s living legend Marcelo will leave Estadio Santiago Bernabeu when his contract expires at the end of the month. The five-time Champions League winner is still figuring out his future in football.The 34-year-old hardly played for Los Blancos over the past two years, but he was kept out of respect for his stature at the club and the immense experience he offers in the dressing room and around young players. Sadly, he has declined physically and can no longer compete with his younger colleagues like Ferland Mendy or David Alaba. But it’s not to say that Marcelo cannot play professional football anymore!Departure of Real’s most decorated player: I was an example and they did not even offer me a new contractIt was a very emotional occasion when Real Madrid celebrated their record-fourteenth Champions League victory in Paris last month. That night, Marcelo was in tears because he knew very well that it was his last match in the white shirt. Now that the tears have dried, there are decisions to be made.According to reports in Spain, the former Brazil international has received offers from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey clubs. While the Saudis and Qataris can probably offer the most money, it’s not Marcelo’s priority. Should he continue in Turkey, he’d get the chance to play in a higher-standard league, in well-attended matches, and, above all, he would have the opportunity to play in European competitions. In Turkey, only newly-crowned champions Trabzonspor and Istanbul giants Fenerbahce will enter next season’s UEFA Champions League. Besides them, Konyaspor and Basaksehir will play in the UEFA Europa Conference League, while Turkish Cup winners Sivasspor will be competing in the UEFA Europa League. Could one of these five clubs be Marcelo’s next destination? Or will he go for the easy option and get paid to take place in a relaxed kickabout in Qatar or Saudi Arabia?Saturday, 18.45: (3.45) Setif (2.90) USM Alger (2.32)One of the factors in Marcelo’s decision will be his family’s feedback. After 16 years in Madrid, his wife and children are so used to living in the Spanish capital that relocating them would be a delicate operation.It should be noted that the Brazilian has gotten his lifestyle in order over the past few years. He takes maximum care of his diet and exercises daily with a personal coach to stay fit. All he has to do is make a decision.
