Marcelo says he was always confident of making history with Real Madrid.
It's now been 13 years since the Brazil wing-back arrived from Fluminense.
"I think that in life we have some opportunities that we cannot lose," he recalled. "I arrived here at the age of 18. My team wanted to loan me to another club and I said no.
"I knew that one day I would become an important player for the club.
"You have to hold onto the opportunities you have."