"My Relationship with Cristiano Started with a Fight in the Brazil-Portugal Match" - Marcelo

According to Sportskeeda, Real Madrid icon Marcelo has shared how his first encounter with Al-Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo began with an on-field clash during an international match in 2008.

The former Brazilian left-back recalled that he and Ronaldo got into a physical altercation when Brazil faced Portugal, setting the stage for what would later become a strong partnership at Real Madrid.

Marcelo, 36, recounted the incident in a recent interview, explaining how Ronaldo's speed forced him to commit a foul.

He said, "My relationship with Cristiano started with a fight in the Brazil-Portugal match. I fouled him because he was too fast. I kicked him and he grabbed me. I tried too but he was too tall.

"Then I got a message that Real Madrid were going to sign him in two months. I joked, 'I'm leaving Real Madrid,' but everything was good."

Despite their initial clash, the two eventually became teammates at Real Madrid, forming one of the most dynamic duos in football history.

Marcelo, who officially retired last month, was a key figure at Real Madrid for 15 years, playing for the Spanish giants from 2007 to 2022.

The Brazilian full-back was instrumental in the club's success, helping them secure 25 trophies, including five UEFA Champions League titles and six La Liga championships.

During his time at Madrid, Marcelo played alongside Ronaldo in 332 matches, providing 25 assists to the Portuguese forward.

Their chemistry on the left flank was crucial in many of Real Madrid's triumphs, as Marcelo's attacking runs and pinpoint crosses often set up scoring opportunities for Ronaldo.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo, who joined Real Madrid in 2009 from Manchester United, went on to become the club's all-time leading goal scorer.

In his nine seasons with Los Blancos, he found the back of the net 450 times in 438 appearances, averaging more than a goal per game.

He also contributed 131 assists and played a pivotal role in winning 16 major trophies, including four Champions League titles and two La Liga crowns.

Ronaldo left Real Madrid in 2018 for Juventus before moving to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, while Marcelo continued at Madrid until 2022 before brief stints at Olympiacos and Fluminense.