Marcelo prepared to leave Real Madrid

Brazil international Marcelo has said that he would be prepared to end his long-term association with Real Madrid, should they pay him up at the end of the season.

The Brazil international has sustained three injuries in the space of two months and this has dropped him down the pecking order with young graduate Sergio Reguilon preferred on the left side of the defence.

Speaking to Globo Esporte, Marcelo has acknowledged that he would not have hard feelings with Los Blancos, should they decide to sanction his sale during the summer. The Brazilian added that they just need to compensate with a signing-off fee to push his transfer to another club, he said: "If I am on the list of players [Madrid] want to sell, then they can pay me up and all is sorted. I trust in myself, in my work, but if a day comes when Real Madrid do not want me, I'll go. I will be sad, but I'll go. But I am sure I will not be kicked out."

Despite returning from injury, Marcelo have found himself playing second fiddle to Reguilon for the past five matches and when asked about the same, the South American star emphasised the need for regular gametime to return to his old self, he added: “I went through a difficult period in my football and within the club. But that phase is over now, I need to play to get back to my usual form and confidence. But I feel good now, physically good, I am training strongly. I need to play to get back my confidence, but physically I am good.”

Real Madrid have recently closed down the gap to league leaders Barcelona to just six points after their fantastic derby triumph over Atletico which was combined with the Blaugrana’s goalless stalemate at Athletic Bilbao. As such, the team should have plenty of confidence within themselves ahead of their Champions League round of 16 first leg clash against Ajax on the road.