Madrid's Marcelo making waves

Replacing Roberto Carlos is an unenviable task but it is one Marcelo has taken in his stride. Now in his second season with Real Madrid CF the Brazilian left-back is carving a niche of his own at the Bernabéu and proving a successful addition to the Madrid back line. Everything is falling into place for the 19-year-old since he signed from Fluminese FC two years ago, but as he reveals in the latest in our series of uefa.com readers' Q&As with Europe's top names, as good as life in the Spanish capital might be, he will always miss the beach in Rio.

How does it feel to be replace probably the world's best ever left-back and compatriot Roberto Carlos?
Andrew Michael Dimech, Naxxar, Malta

Marcelo: He is an inspiration for me and it is a great responsibility to replace him. I hope I can play like him in the future.

What is your main goal for 2008 besides your duties with Real Madrid?
Ricardo Tito, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Marcelo: I want to play in the Olympics for Brazil and hopefully come back home with the gold medal.

Who is your idol in your position?
Onur Camurdan, Adana, Turkey

Marcelo: Roberto Carlos has always been my idol, even before I actually met him.

Do you have any tips for young players like you who hope to play in teams like Real Madrid?
Carlos Davalillo, Beaumont, United States

Marcelo: My tip is: never give up. Look at me and Julio Baptista, for example. People were telling us to leave last summer, but we stayed, worked hard and now we are playing. Football demands patience. Keep working and you will be rewarded.

Who is your best friend in the Real squad? What has been your best game since joining Real?
Yahya Sonko, Gambia

Marcelo: My best friends are the Brazilian guys: Robinho, Julio Baptista and Pepe. My best game was [the 3-1 win] against Lazio in the group stage.

Can Madrid hold off Barcelona's challenge and win the title?
Sergio, Jaen, Spain

Marcelo: Yes, I think so. We're playing great football. I hope we can stay in front of them right until the end.

Who do you think is the best football player in the world right now?
Tobbe Barth

Marcelo: For me the best player in the world right now is Robinho.

You might come up against Cristiano Ronaldo in the Champions League. Do you think you can mark him?
Lonki, South Africa

Marcelo: Well, you will have to wait until we play for that answer! Cristiano Ronaldo is playing fantastic football. He is one of the best right now. But really, only when I play against him will I know how hard it is to mark him.

In your opinion which player is having the biggest impact at Madrid at the moment?
Toni

Marcelo: Robinho. When the team is suffering, all of us look to him to help out with a brilliant piece of play. He doesn't play on his own though. Everybody has a share in our current season.

What do you think of Madrid's chances against Roma? Have you seen the clip of Mancini's goal against Lyon last season?
Gregorz, Potsdam, Germany

Marcelo: Everybody says we're favourites, but we are expecting a tough game. Yes, I saw Mancini's goal. It was brilliant.

What makes FrancescoTotti such a special player?
Carlos, Mexico

Marcelo: He is very talented and their most dangerous player. His touch is great. But we have to be wary of all Roma's players, not just Totti.

Do you think Madrid are strong enough to win the Champions League and Primera División?
Dometom

Marcelo: I think I'm doing a good job and the coach believes in me. Yes, we are strong enough to win both titles, especially if we keep Barça at a safe distance in the league.

When you're not playing football, what do you do for fun? Do you like any other sports?
Arif, Jamaica

Marcelo: I love going to the theatre. I used to go often in Rio with my girlfriend. We've been twice here in Madrid. I hope to be able to go a lot more. As for other sports … no, my only sport is football.

There is great competition for places down the Madrid left, with Gabriel Heinze, Miguel Torres and Royston Drenthe. What do you have to do to get in the team ahead of them?
Joaquín Planchuelo Sainz

Marcelo: I have to keep working hard, especially in defence. I have to show our coach I am reliable at both ends of the pitch.

What did you miss most about Brazil?
Marcia, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Marcelo: I miss the beach. I used to go to the beach everyday in Rio!

Julio Gomes Filho put your questions to Marcelo