Realmadrid News

Marcelo officially presented: "I appreciate all the faith placed in me and I hope I can help win lots of titles"

At 12:10 pm, Marcelo Vieira and President Ramón Calderón took the podium as dozens of members of the press waited for the sixth Madridista incorporation this season. Among those in attendence were Board Members José Ignacio Rivero, Eloy Ureta, Luis Guerrero, and Amador Suárez. With the shyness that comes along with being a teenage star and a grin indicating the joy of seeing his dream become reality, the Brazilian left back calmly enjoyed one of the most important moments of his football career. Accompanied by the Club's President of Honour, Alfredo Di Stéfano, Marcelo looked somewhat shocked that his signing had raised so many expectations. The first to speak was President Ramón Calderón:

RAMÓN CALDERÓN: “Here is the first incorporation of our project of the future”
“Minutes ago, Marcelo became the newest member of the Madridista family. As President of this Club, it is my honour to present a jewel of the football world. He is a player who is fully prepared to make the leap to European football and who was courted by many teams. His contrasting quality and exultant youth at the age of 18 are why he has signed a contract with Real Madrid until 2012. He was born in Rio de Janeiro on 12 May 1988 and had a very humble beginning. He played football in the streete as did so many of his fellow countrymen, and began playing futsal when he was just nine years old. Four years later, he joined the ranks of Fluminense, a Club that has always focused on the development of their young players. Last year, he played 38 matches and scored four goals despite being a defender. He played for Brazil in the Under-17 World Cup in Peru, and stood out for his humility, work ethic, perseverance, winning attitude, and guts. It was only a matter of time before [coach Dunga] called him up to play for the Brazilian national team, which took place last September against Wales. We all watched as he opened the score with a powerful shot from outside the box.”

“He is strong in defence and fast in attack, virtues that led Pedja Mijatovic to battle it out with other Clubs so that he signed for Real Madrid. Here is the first incorporation of our project of the future, which will be completed over time and will allow us to sign great, young players to get back on the winning track. That is this Board of Directors' plan, as expressed by the anthem, veterans and inexperienced players alike, linked to talents like Marcelo. We thank him for choosing us from all his suitors and for having always dreamed of playing here. He is one of the most beloved players in his country, and I am sure he will be here as well.”


The President then addressed the player in his maternal tongue, which has become an everyday occurence at each presentation. Speaking in Portuguese, he told Marcelo, “Welcome. I hope you and your family are happy here. Thank you and I hope you enjoy many years of success at Real Madrid.”

Words of recognition and admiration by the President towards Marcelo, his sixth signing since he was elected President of the Club on 3 July. The Brazilian, moved by the statement, responded, “I am very happy. I appreciate all the faith Madrid have placed in me and I hope I can help win lots of titles. Thank you very much.”

Following his first words as a Real Madrid player, Marcelo received the Madridista shirt, still unnumbered, from the Club's President of Honour, Alfredo Di Stéfano, who he happily posed for photos next to with an ear to ear smile. It didn't take long for Marcelo to don his new shirt and take to the pitch of the Bernabéu, where he delighted fans and even handed out several footballs.




Report by Laura Navas
Photos by David R. Anchuelo
Translation by Matthew Goltz

posted by khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com @ 8:30 PM