Marcelo will be Brazil’s first choice left-back during the World Cup but his position may have been different had he followed some advice earlier in his career.
As a youngster making his way in the game, the Real Madrid defender was told by his grandfather to be a number ten. The Brazilian didn’t follow the advice of his grandfather, though.
“My grandfather said that I had a spectacular touch, but I did not,” Marcelo told UOL Sport this week.
“I could play as a ten, yes but as lateral play today is a privilege we are obligated to close and open spaces, to defend and attack.”
Though Marcelo ignored his grandfathers advice regarding his footballing position, he did when aged 15 tried to quit football, fortunately his grandfather stopped him.
The 26-year-old said: “At 15 I wanted to quit football. I wanted to go out with my friends, was discovering adolescence.
“Luckily my grandfather didn’t allow it. As a child I dreamed of being a fireman, like my father. I still see him as a hero.”
The Brazilian also talked about how he prefers to let other people take the limelight, he concluded: “Being the center of attention made me embarrassed, I’d rather see a teammate score goals to make them myself.”
