Madrid, Dec 18 (IANS): Real Madrid's Brazilian left-back Marcelo professed that "for me, football is everything" in statements delivered during his presentation as a Friend of the Madrid Committee for Unicef, and stressed that he is "proud and honoured to be able to help children".

"For me, football is everything. Practically everything I have today is down to football," Efe quoted the Brazilian as saying on Thursday.

"It makes me immensely happy to wake up every morning and know that I'm a footballer," the 27-year-old declared.

Marcelo confirmed his official commitment to defend children's rights as a Friend of the Madrid Committee for Unicef.

"As a father myself, I want to see all children enjoy a good childhood and have everything they need," he explained.

"Football is a world with the power and potential to help a huge amount," the player told children attending his presentation.

The Brazilian defender proclaimed: "I'd dedicate my best goal to those children most in need.

"I had a tough childhood; it wasn't easy. When you're a kid, you don't know how far you can go, and what I did was keep working bit by bit.. for me it's worrying that there are still kids who can't smile or experience joy.

"I'll do everything I can to help see healthy and happy children," Marcelo affirmed.