The spectators at Santiago Bernabéu saw it all unfolding in front of their bare eyes — Cristiano Ronaldo doing his trademark “Siii” celebration with his close friend in Marcelo Vieira.
They don’t represent one country or even the same continent. However, there was always a spark working between the two of best the footballing world has had seen in their respective positions.
Another identical event was to see the Portuguese rifling the ball past opposition goalkeepers from the delicious crosses provided by the Brazilian. It was nearly a routine way to find goals for Real Madrid during those days.
Together they won a plethora of trophies with the Spanish side, including four UEFA Champions League titles — a prize that Juventus have kept their eyes upon for years. The Old Lady went on to sign Ronaldo from Real Madrid in 2018 — an apparent deal-breaker between Ronaldo and Marcelo.
Juventus would need Marcelo to reduce his wages
Ever since Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Turin, there have been rumours of Marcelo emulating the footsteps of Juve’s talisman. However, those talks have only been to papers and media outlets so far.
But as reported by Calciomercato.com, Juventus would consider signing the Brazil international in the next summer transfer window on one condition.
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Juventus have encountered huge losses financially.
And it has been mentioned in the report that the Bianconeri would only agree on buying the 33-year-old left-back should his salary look sustainable to the club management.
Marcelo has moderately gone down Los Blancos’ pecking order, becoming second fiddle to Ferland Mendy under Zinedine Zidane.
And with the French international performing well in the left-back position consistently, it won’t be easy for Marcelo to dethrone the 25-year-old highflying full-back anymore.
The abovementioned report suggests that Marcelo earns nearly €8 million per year.
Now, it is on Juve to decide whether they do need to pull down the valuation a bit more or comply with the current wage, considering how much experience and ability a winner like Marcelo could add to Andrea Pirlo’s roster.
Marcelo has accumulated 838 minutes of football this season across all competitions. And at the age of 32, his best shot might be joining Juventus next summer and playing a part akin to the one carried out by his compatriot Dani Alves at 33.