After 15 years and 25 trophies, former Brazilian left back Marcelo Vieira has finally called time on his Real Madrid career. As a sign of respect, the 34 year old was given the opportunity to speak for one last time earlier today, before heading out of the Santiago Bernabeu. As emotions got the better of him, the defender couldn’t just hold back the tears.
Football is a game encapsulated with different emotions and sometimes leaving a football club after so many years of service can trigger these emotions. In light of this, check out 9 other players who like Marcelo also cried when they were leaving their former clubs;
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1- Lionel Messi
The Argentina International didn’t expect to leave Barcelona last summer after already agreeing to extend his contract and taking with a 50% salary pay cut. But when it was no longer possible for him to sign a new deal owing to La Liga wage limit, he was forced to depart to PSG as a free agent. At his farewell speech, a teary Lionel Messi said he wasn’t prepared for such kind of moment, having to leave Barcelona after 21 years. He departed as the club’s all time topscorer after scoring 625 goals.
2- Andres Iniesta
After gracing the Camp Nou Stadium for 16 seasons, midfield maestro Andres Iniesta was in tears during his farewell speech in 2018. It was really an emotional moment for him as he had to leave to make room for the younger generation. The 38 year now plays for Vissel Kobe, a football club in Japan.
3- Sergio Ramos
It was the end of a unique stage as Spanish defender Sergio Ramos had to depart Real Madrid last summer. The Spaniard left as a free agent after Los Blancos opted against extending his contract for another one year like he wanted. At his farewell speech, a teary Sergio Ramos expressed his disappoinment of not being able to play in front of the fans before bringing his 16 year affiliation with the club to an end.
4- Xavi Hernandez
Just like his former teammates, Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta, Xavi was another legendary player who cried when leaving Camp Nou. He represented the club between 1998-2015 and was one of the best midfielders of his generation.
5- Iker Casillas
Iker Casillas departed Real Madrid in 2015 after 16 seasons at the club. At a press conference before his move to FC Porto, the shot stopper broke down in tears while thanking the club and fans for the opportunity to serve them for so long.
6- Francesca Totti
Francesca Totti was one of the few players who spent his entire career at one club. After 25 years playing for Roma at the senior level, the Italian was given a warm farewell by teammates and fans on his last game for the club in 2017. His farewell was grand and emotional, and he ended up shedding tears.
7- Paulo Dybala
Dybala who played his final home match for Juventus on 16 May 2022 against Lazio, was treated to a standing ovation during his substitution in the 78th minute. However, just like the aforementioned players, the Argentine was overwhelmed by emotions and shedded much tears as he bade farewell to Turin after 7 years.
8- Luis Suarez
Despite spending only two seasons at the Wanda Metropolitan Stadium, Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez couldn’t hold back the tears during his final game for Atletico Madrid. In a home game against Sevilla that finished 1-1, Suarez was given a widespread applause by the Atletico fans as he came off in the 65th minute. Even as he sat on the substitution bench, he was crying.
9- Angel Di Maria
Angel Di Maria joined PSG in 2015, after a disappointing 9 months spell at Manchester United. After 18 trophies and 92 goals, he is now set to depart the club this summer. His last game at Parc des Princes was an emotional one for him, his teammates formed a parallel guard of honour applauding him as he was substituted in the 74th minute. A teary Di Maria had to hug each of them as he came off the pitch for Ander Herrera.
