Real Madrid legend's contract terminated hours after touchline spat with manager

Fluminense have confirmed the departure of former Real Madrid left-back Marcelo by mutual consent, just hours after he appeared to clash with manager Mano Menezes during a game.

Marcelo was set to come off the bench in Friday's meeting with Gremio but, as he stood on the touchline receiving his final instructions, appeared to take issue with a comment from Menezes, who ordered the left-back to return to the bench.

"I was going to bring Marcelo in at that time, but I heard one thing that I did not like and I changed my mind," Menezes told the media after the game.

"He wasn't going in to solve any problem for us, he was stepping in to let us keep what we had [on the score sheet]. It was just two, three minutes to the end."

In the aftermath of the incident, Fluminense confirmed Marcelo's contract had been terminated by mutual consent two months before it had been due to expire.

"Fluminense FC and Marcelo Vieira announce the termination of the contract by mutual agreement between the parties," a statement read.

"The institutional and emotional ties between Fluminense and Marcelo continue to be maintained. The athlete’s name was recently immortalised in the stadium at the Xerem training centre. Fluminense thanks Marcelo and will continue, as always, to support his success in all his challenges."

Marcelo, who began his career at Fluminense, returned to the Brazilian side in February 2023 after another abrupt contract termination saw him depart Greek outfit Olympiacos after just five months.

The Brazilian icon spent 15 famous years at Real Madrid, winning five Champions Leagues and six La Liga titles across 546 appearances for the club.

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