Real Madrid’s veteran left-back Roberto Carlos is slated to abandon the White House after eleven years of faithful Merengue service according to reports published in Spanish daily ‘AS’ (Ace) today.
According to sources close to the player neither the Brazilian nor the Spanish club are keen on signing a new deal, despite assurances given in September 2006 that the wing-back would be offered an extension to reward him for his many years of sterling service in Madrid.
The latest ‘confirmation’ was given on the 9th of November, but since then any move forward has ended up bogged down in contractual details. Mijatovic wants to renegotiate what was seen as an over-generous proposal offered by Florentino Pérez whereas the player won’t budge.
For Mijatovic the key revolves around Roberto Carlos’ image rights (that refer to the advertising revenue that the player receives for several worldwide sponsorship deals), the exec wanting to continue the 50/50 split with the club and the Brazilian only willing to cede 30% in future.
There is an automatic contract renewal clause if the veteran plays 40 games this season, although as of now Roberto Carlos has only played 22 due to injury hassles that have reduced the wing-backs appearances this year from his habitual almost 100% attendance.
The number 3 is expected to reappear against Betis on Saturday the 17th, an ironic coincidence since it was against the Andalusian side in their Ruiz de Lopera stadium that the Brazilian fell injured in the Copa clash with a tear in his thigh and abductor muscles.
Goal.com - Roberto Carlos Preparing ‘Adios’?