Marcelo in tears after Real Madrid legend's tackle puts opponent out for a year

02 August 2023 , 08:32

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Marcelo was left distraught after the incident (Image: Bein Sports)

Former Real Madrid star Marcelo was left in tears after causing his opponent a serious leg injury during a Copa Libertadores match on Tuesday.

The unfortunate incident will now leave Argentinos Juniors defender Luciano Sanchez on the sidelines for up to a year. Marcelo, now playing in Brazil for Fluminense, was traveling with the ball and, as he attempted to dribble past his opponent, stepped on his leg.

Marcelo, was subsequently given a straight red and left the pitch in tears shortly before the hour mark. The multiple Champions League winner has issued an apology on social media with Sanchez set to undergo an operation and begin his long road towards recovery.

The Brazilian said: "Today I have had to live through a very difficult moment on the pitch. I have inadvertently injured a colleague. I want to wish you the best possible recovery, Luciano Sánchez. All the strength in the world!" Originally it was though that Sanchez had broken his leg, but a medical report published by the club said it was a full dislocation.

Fluminense boss Fernando Diniz, who will take charge of Brazil’s national team coach until the middle of next year, said in his press conference that Marcelo didn't deserve a red card and claimed it was “an unfortunate event.” The contest between the two sides finished 1-1 and they will square off once more, minus Marcelo and Sanchez, next Tuesday at the Maracana Stadium with a place in the quarter-finals of the Copa Libertadores at stake.

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Marcelo, now 37, recently returned to his homeland after more than a decade with Los Blancos, whom he won numerous honours with. The left-back played under the likes of Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane during a trophy-laden spell.

The Brazilian scored in the Madrid club's iconic 'La Decima' Champions League success back in 2014 and his affection for the Spanish giants was apparent in his farewell press conference which took place in September last year, before a short stint at Greek side Olympiakos.

He said: "Thanks to my teammates, coaches. But above all to the kit men, to the security, to the people who work behind the scenes and have dirty work. I want to highlight their work, because I only dedicate myself to playing and I always had everything ready.

"I want to thank my wife, because she has always been by my side since I started playing football. If I am what I am today, it is because of you Clarice. When I left Brazil I had in mind to play the Champions League. And today I leave here being the player with the most titles in the history of the biggest club in the world."

Samuel Meade