In this March 8, 2020 photo, Real Madrid's Brazilian defender Marcelo reacts during the Spanish league football match between Real Betis and Real Madrid CF at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Seville. (CRISTINA QUICLER / AFP)

RIO DE JANEIRO - Veteran Brazilian left-back Marcelo said Friday that he hopes to remain at Real Madrid next season amid reports linking him with a move to Juventus.

I don't want to leave and I don't think Real Madrid would let me go. I have been very happy since I arrived with my family in Madrid.

Marcelo, Brazilian footballer

In an Instagram live session with Italy's 2006 FIFA World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro, Marcelo said he has no plans to join former Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo at the Italian club.

"I don't want to leave and I don't think Real Madrid would let me go," said Marcelo, who joined the Spanish giants from Fluminense in January 2007.

"I have been very happy since I arrived with my family in Madrid. It's been a long time and I have had an incredible journey. I don't know if Juve are really interested and if they are that's great. But people invent a lot of things."

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In an entertaining conversation with Cannavaro - who played with Marcelo at Madrid for two seasons and is now the head coach of Guangzhou Evergrande - the Rio de Janeiro native also spoke of his admiration for compatriot Roberto Carlos.

"He was my idol. Whenever I talk to him, I still get very nervous," the 31-year-old said of Real Madrid's left-back from 1996 to 2007.

Marcelo gave a diplomatic response when asked if Cristiano Ronaldo is a better player than Lionel Messi, or vice-versa.

"You can't say who is better. I played with Cristiano for 10 years and the motivation he gives you on the field is unique, the way he lifts you. Messi can be stopped and then from nowhere he scores," he added.