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Real Madrid’s Most Decorated Player Marcelo Confirms Departure

Real Madrid's captain Marcelo lifts the trophy on top of the Cibeles fountain during celebrations for Real Madrid's 14th UEFA Champions League title in Madrid, Spain, 29 May 2022. (EPA)
Real Madrid's captain Marcelo lifts the trophy on top of the Cibeles fountain during celebrations for Real Madrid's 14th UEFA Champions League title in Madrid, Spain, 29 May 2022. (EPA)
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Real Madrid’s Most Decorated Player Marcelo Confirms Departure

Real Madrid's captain Marcelo lifts the trophy on top of the Cibeles fountain during celebrations for Real Madrid's 14th UEFA Champions League title in Madrid, Spain, 29 May 2022. (EPA)
Real Madrid's captain Marcelo lifts the trophy on top of the Cibeles fountain during celebrations for Real Madrid's 14th UEFA Champions League title in Madrid, Spain, 29 May 2022. (EPA)

After lifting a fifth Champions League trophy with Real Madrid, captain Marcelo said he is bringing his 16-year stint with the Spanish and European champions to an end.

The Brazilian defender is the most decorated player in Real's 120-year history, picking up his 25th trophy with the club as they beat Liverpool 1-0 in the Champions League final on Saturday.

He has found playing time limited in recent seasons, however, and made only 12 appearances in the league during the 2021-22 campaign.

"It is a wonderful moment in my life, I close a cycle here, in the best club in the world," Marcelo told supporters during Real's trophy celebrations in Madrid on Sunday.

"Today is not a day of sadness, but a day of joy because we have once again won the best championship in the world. I am very proud of myself and so is my family. We have lived many magical nights together.

"I tell you one thing, the future of Madrid is very good with the young players. Hala Madrid."

Marcelo added that his relationship with Real was not at an end, saying he would do "something else at the club" in the future.

The 34-year-old made over 500 appearances for the club and inherited the captain's armband from Sergio Ramos following the Spaniard's move to Paris St. Germain last year.

He made his debut for Real in January 2007 after joining from Fluminense.

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Ricciardo Knew He Was Out before Singapore, Says RB Boss

RB's French principal Laurent Mekies attends a press conference after the practice session for the United States Formula One Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, on October 18, 2024. (AFP)
RB's French principal Laurent Mekies attends a press conference after the practice session for the United States Formula One Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, on October 18, 2024. (AFP)
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Ricciardo Knew He Was Out before Singapore, Says RB Boss

RB's French principal Laurent Mekies attends a press conference after the practice session for the United States Formula One Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, on October 18, 2024. (AFP)
RB's French principal Laurent Mekies attends a press conference after the practice session for the United States Formula One Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, on October 18, 2024. (AFP)

Daniel Ricciardo and his RB Formula One team knew before last month's Singapore Grand Prix that he was leaving and having to pretend otherwise was "not ideal", principal Laurent Mekies said on Friday.

The Australian spent much of that weekend awkwardly side-stepping questions about his unconfirmed departure and replacement by New Zealander Liam Lawson for this weekend's US Grand Prix.

Asked by reporters in Austin why 35-year-old Ricciardo had not been given a proper chance to say goodbye, Mekies said the eight-times race-winner's departure could have been handled better.

"It was frustrating, and yes, you're right, it was not ideal to go through the weekend in that way, first of all for him, on a professional and on a personal matter, and for the whole team around him," said the Frenchman.

"Yes, Daniel was aware. We did have discussions before the weekend. For many different reasons, we chose together to go into that weekend without announcing. And from that point onwards, we had to deal with it.

"It's a decision that, in hindsight, we may or may not do differently," he added.

Ricciardo's departure was announced on Sept. 26, four days after the Singapore race.

The Australian this week appeared in a photo on the Instagram account of friend and former motocross racer Adam Cianciarulo wearing a cap with the words "I'm retired. Having a good time IS my job" on it.

Mekies said the team and fans had still found a way to convey their affection for Ricciardo, one of Formula One's most popular drivers, who is famed for his light-hearted approach and smiling personality.

"I can hopefully say that the amount of love and empathy we felt through that weekend was something outstanding and something that shows that he's bigger than an F1 driver, he's bigger than F1," he added.