RIO DE JANEIRO: Former Real Madrid leftback Marcelo announced his retirement from professional football on Thursday after a trophy-laden career.

The 36-year-old spent 16 years at Spanish giants Madrid, winning six La Liga titles and five Champions League trophies.

Marcelo made 58 appearances for the Brazil national team, playing at the 2014 and 2018 World Cups and winning the 2013 Confederations Cup.

He was part of the teams that won a silver medal at the 2012 Olympics and bronze in Beijing in 2008.

Marcelo started his career with Brazilian club Fluminense before leaving for Real.

When he finally left the Santiago Bernabeu he joined Greek club Olympiakos but terminated his contract after just five months to rejoin Fluminense.-AFP