Felipe Melo Reveals How One World Cup Moment Saw Real Madrid Move Called Off
By Adam Aladay
Felipe Melo has opened up on how his stamp on Arjen Robben at the 2010 World Cup meant a move to Real Madrid, which had already been agreed, fell through.
Brazil took on the Netherlands in the quarter-finals at the World Cup and came into the clash as favourites, but they were sent packing after falling to a 2-1 defeat. It was a miserable game for Melo, who was at fault for the equaliser, before getting himself sent off just 20 minutes later.
After bringing Robben down and continuing to nibble at him, he raised his right boot and stamped on the Dutch winger. Now discussing the knock on impact of that moment, Melo has revealed that this saw his move to Real Madrid fall through.
"In the end I could have signed for Real Madrid, that's what my agent told me, when I was at the World Cup. But with what happened in the quarters...the expulsion ends with what is not done for Real Madrid," Melo told AS.
"But they are things that happened and had to happen. Everything that happened helped me grow as a man, as a player, as a professional, as a father, as a husband...I thank God very much for everything that happened and is happening in my life.
"We already had everything agreed at that time, we had everything agreed. But, well, it happened and that's it. I stayed at Juve and then I went to Galatasaray. And look how well it went! There I became the best Brazilian in Turkish football, winning trophies: eight in four years.
"That is incredible. If you had played for Real Madrid, could you have made history? Yes, but perhaps I would not have the idolisation that I have today at Galatasaray, a club that is in my heart forever."
The 36-year-old went on to explain that prior to his move to Juventus, his first choice was actually Inter. However, now reflecting on his time in Turin, Melo has described it as 'phenomenal,' while he also had the chance to play at Inter later in his career.
"Playing in Madrid is liked by everyone. When Madrid or Barcelona call you, you have to leave everything and play. They are two teams, two incredible clubs. I would have liked to play for Real Madrid," he continued.
"But I played at Inter. When I was at Fiorentina I remember Inter calling me. I wanted to go to Inter, not Juve. But in the end Juve paid the clause and went there. And I thank Juve very much because I got to know the Juventus world. It was phenomenal. For me it is among the five best clubs in the world."