Marcelo joins Real Madrid.

Brazil left back Marcelo has joined Real Madrid from Fluminense.

Marcelo passed a routine medical Tuesday and will be presented at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium the following day, Madrid said on its website.

News reports said the defender has signed a 5½-year contract.

"I'm very happy and I hope to return the affection with many titles," Marcelo said.

Madrid president Ramon Calderon described Marcelo as "a pearl which half of Europe wanted."

"He has come to Real Madrid, continuing what should happen, that the good players have to be here," Calderon was quoted as saying by the website of sports daily Marca.

Marcelo, for whom Madrid has reportedly paid six million euros (C$8,750,000), is an 18-year-old defender whose style has been compared to Brazilian star Roberto Carlos.

Calderon said Carlos has extended his contract by a year, tying him to the club until June 2008.

"It is what we all wanted. He is very happy at Madrid. Marcelo is coming to be (Roberto Carlos') substitute the day he decides to retire," Calderon said. "He's a very young player who will bring freshness and life to the club. He is coming to help us renew the club."

Three of Madrid's four signings after Calderon was elected in July are more than 30 years old - Ruud van Nistelrooy, Fabio Cannavaro and Emerson.

Even though Marcelo would be free to play for Madrid once January's transfer window opens, he reportedly may start out in the club's reserve team, Castilla, which plays in the Spanish second division.

Marcelo - whose full name is Marcelo Vieira da Silva Junior - has been capped twice under Brazil coach Dunga. He scored on his debut against Wales in September, but hasn't been included for Wednesday's friendly with Switzerland.

Marcelo is Madrid's seventh Brazilian player. The others are Roberto Carlos, Ronaldo, Robinho, Emerson, Cicinho and Julio Baptista, who is on loan to Arsenal this season.

Calderon added Tuesday that Madrid would soon sign an Argentine player. This could be River Plate striker Gonzalo Higuain or Boca Juniors midfielder Fernando Gago.