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Wanderers sign Marcelo

Western Sydney Wanderers FC have tonight confirmed the signing of Brazilian defender Marcelo Guedes on a one-year deal.

A resume that speaks for itself, Marcelo started his career in his home country of Brazil at Santos where he played in over 40 matches and guided the club to a Semi Final berth in the Copa Libertadores as well as winning the Campeonato Paulista. 

The 191cm defender kicked off his European journey two seasons later, first at Polish side Wisla Krakow where he had a breakout season making 48 appearances and scoring 10 goals.

Marcelo then moved to Dutch heavyweights PSV Eindhoven where he featured in 91 matches and won the KNVB Cup and Johan Cruyff Shield during his three seasons at the club.

The Brazilian’s strong performances continued with Hannover 96 in the Bundesliga where he made 77 appearances in Germany’s top flight.

HANOVER, GERMANY – APRIL 12: Marcelo Antonio Guedes Filho of Hannover celebrates at the end of the Bundesliga match between Hannover 96 and Hamburger SV at HDI-Arena on April 12, 2014 in Hanover, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Bongarts/Getty Images)

During his time in Germany, Marcelo was also loaned out to Turkish powerhouse Besiktas where he won the Super Lig in his first season at the club.

The following season saw the defender earn a more permanent deal in Turkey that saw him continue to achieve success by winning the Super Lig for the second time. 

Besiktas’ Brazilian defender Marcelo Antonio Guedes Filho (1st L) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal during the Turkish Spor Toto Super league football match between Besiktas and Osmanlispor at the Vodafone Arena Stadium on May 15, 2016 in Istanbul. / AFP / OZAN KOSE (Photo credit should read OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images)

Returning afterwards to Europe, Marcelo signed for Lyon where he spent five seasons at the Ligue 1 club making over 130 appearances.

During his time in Lyon, Marcelo was named the Coupe de la Ligue runner up and more recently spent last season at Bordeaux where he made 11 appearances.

The move to the A-Leagues this season with the Wanderers will mark the first time Marcelo will play in Australia.

Western Sydney Wanderers head coach Mark Rudan welcomed Marcelo to the Red & Black.

“Marcelo has had an extensive career and has experience in the biggest leagues of the world,” said Rudan.

“Marcelo brings with him invaluable experience, drive and hunger, and we are delighted that he wants to be part of the project we are building here in Western Sydney.

“We wish him and his family safe travels to Western Sydney.”

Lyon’s Brazilian defender Marcelo Guedes Filho (L) vies with Moscow’s Nigerian forward Ahmed Musa (R) during the Europa League football match Olympique Lyonnais (OL) vs CSKA Moscow on March 15, 2018, at the Groupama Stadium in Decines-Charpieu, central-eastern France. / AFP PHOTO / ROMAIN LAFABREGUE (Photo credit should read ROMAIN LAFABREGUE/AFP via Getty Images)

Marcelo said he was ready to fight for success at the Wanderers.

“What brings me to Australia is firstly the project of the Wanderers for the season, we want to build a good team and we want to fight for big things,” said Marcelo.

“I have heard lots of good things from players and people that have played in Australia and I am sure it will not be easy as every league has its difficulties and particular qualities.

“I want to achieve the highest goals possible at the club. My individual goals are to always give my best for the team, learn with my teammates and fight for big things.

“As a group, I am sure we are going to be a big family and all go in the same direction to achieve this success.”