“I never thought of wearing the Juventus shirt” – Marcelo confirms Serie A offer to leave Real Madrid

Real Madrid left-back Marcelo has confirmed he was contacted about a potential move to Serie A over the summer.

The 31-year-old endured a tough campaign last season, starting just 21 La Liga matches, after falling behind Sergio Reguilon in the pecking order.

Was Marcelo close to leaving Real? Five things to know…

· Marcelo started just 21 La Liga matches last season.

· The 31-year-old fell out of favour with former manager Santiago Solari.

· Zidane's return saw Marcelo reinstated and captain Real Madrid.

· Marcelo confirmed he had received interest from Serie A clubs in the summer.

· But the Brazilian insists he never thought of switching.

As a result, the Brazilian was being linked with a move away from Real Madrid over the summer, with Juventus touted as a potential destination - joining up with former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.

But as the La Liga season edges closer, combined with the return of Zinedine Zidane, Marcelo looks certain to stay at Real Madrid.

And the defender has now revealed there was never any chance of him leaving the Santiago Bernabeu despite the interest.

"I was approached by Italian clubs (about a move)," he told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"But they were only rumours. The truth is that I love Real Madrid, it is my home and the best club in the world.

"In my head there was never an idea that I would wear a Juventus shirt, I am committed to Real Madrid."

Real Madrid kick off their new La Liga campaign on Saturday August 17 away to Celta Vigo.

Marcelo expects Real to get back on track

Like Marcelo, Real Madrid endured a poor season of their own, finishing third in La Liga and finally being knocked off their perch in the Champions League.

Los Blancos also went through three different managers, with Solari replacing Julen Lopetegui before being succeeded by Zidane - who had initially left Madrid in May 2018.

But after a summer of positive signings, Marcelo believes Real Madrid can return to their best.

"The pressure on Real is not comparable to anything else in the world of sport," he added.

"When Real does not win, it seems that the world collapses.

"This club has given so much to football, more than it has received. Now we have a good mix of youth and experience, with the right humility we will do very well again."