Cristiano Ronaldo sent shockwaves through the football world when he swapped Real Madrid for Juventus last summer. 

The Portuguese forward had achieved it all in Spain and suggested that wanting a new challenge was the main reason behind his Bernabeu departure. 

That's understandable, considering he won two La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey's and of course, four Champions Leagues in his nine seasons with Los Blancos. 

Not bad at all.

Ronaldo's move has been a massive personal success and he's now ripping it up in Italy, with Juve on course to go undefeated in Serie A.

But since leaving Madrid, his former team have been struggling. 

MADRID'S BIG LOSS

Santiago Solari is currently in charge on an interim basis after Julen Lopetegui was sacked just a few months after being named Zinedine Zidane's successor. 

After a poor start to the campaign, Real are nine points off the pace in La Liga and will struggle to defend their European crown.

Many members of the team have been underperforming but a decline in form has been clear to see in one player in particular and that's Marcelo. 

He's taken a lot of criticism from fans and the press over the last few weeks and according to Spanish publication AS, the defender could soon attempt to force a transfer away. 

What makes the report even more interesting, is that he could attempt to do it the same way Ronaldo did last summer.  

MARCELO MOVING ON? 

AS report that Marcelo has already informed Madrid that he's not happy with the criticism he is receiving and told the club of his intention to leave should his situation not improve. 

In doing so, he 'has set the Cristiano Ronaldo formula in motion to leave'. 

Apparently, he has already met Jose Angel Sanchez, the director of the club, to explain that he is unhappy and has asked to facilitate a departure as a 'prize' for his excellent career to date. 

When Ronaldo did that same thing, Real lowered his release clause from €1 billion to €100 million so he could join Juventus. 

FOLLOWING IN RONALDO'S FOOTSTEPS

AS suggest that Marcelo's actions are no coincidence because he continues to have a good relationship with Ronaldo and knows exactly how he won his move away from Spain. 

It's unclear if Madrid will let the Brazilian leave in the same way, but if Marcelo really is using the 'Cristiano Ronaldo formula', the club may have little choice.