The former Real Madrid star Marcelo was in tears after inflicting a significant leg injury on his opponent in a Copa Libertadores match on Tuesday.
The tragic incident will likely result in Argentinos Juniors defender Luciano Sanchez in the hospital for up to a year. Marcelo, who is now in Brazil with Fluminense, is travelling on the ball, and while trying to move through his opponent, he steps onto his left leg.
Marcelo, who was later sent off, received the straight red and left the field in tears just after the hour. The numerous Champions League winner posted an apology on his social media accounts in conjunction with Sanchez expected to undergo a procedure to begin the long path toward healing.
The Brazilian declared: “Today, I have had to live through a challenging moment on the pitch. I have inadvertently injured a colleague. I want to wish you the best possible recovery, Luciano Sanchez. All the strength in the world!” It was initially believed Sanchez had a broken leg. Sanchez broke his leg. However, an official medical report issued by the club stated that there was no dislocation.
Fluminense coach Fernando Diniz, who will assume the role of Brazil’s national coach from the end of the following calendar year, claimed at a press conference Marcelo did not deserve to be handed a red card. He also said that it is “an unfortunate event.” The match between the two sides ended 1-1. They will square again, except Marcelo and Sanchez, on Tuesday at the Maracana Stadium with a place in the quarterfinals of Copa Libertadores at stake.
Marcelo, now 37, has recently returned to his home country after over a decade of playing with Los Blancos, with whom he received numerous awards. He played under the tutelage of Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane in a trophy-rich time.