Real exit for Roberto Carlos

[Pat Murphy]

Roberto Carlos has confirmed that he is to end an 11-year association with Real Madrid in the summer.

The Brazilian left-back has decided against renewing his contract in the Spanish capital in order to take up a fresh challenge elsewhere.

In over a decade at Madrid the 33-year-old has established himself as one of the club's greats, with a highly decorated career seeing him swell his trophy cabinet with three European Cups, three league titles and two World Club Cups during his time at the club.

"I'm not going to renew my contract. I think the moment has come for me to put an end to my time at the club and leave them to start a new project," he told Marca.

"I'm sure about it. My time at Real Madrid has ended. After three years without winning anything I had to take a decision.

"I don't know whether I will continue in Europe or maybe I need to be back in Brazil close to my family."

Roberto Carlos has previously been strongly linked with Chelsea but while he concedes he is ready to try 'another country', it remains to be seen where he pitches up next.

"My departure will help the youngsters like Marcelo and Miguel Torres," he added.

"They are the future and have to be given a chance to develop. I have to look for motivation in another team, another country, another place."

from Sky Sports

Roberto Carlos will move country, maybe look for a bit of money in Qatar or maybe move to Fenerbache if the option is still there.

I honestly don't think Madrid will settle for Marcelo and Miguel Torres tho, I can just see them splashing out on someone like Abidal when they don't need to.

[Costinha]

I'm not surprised he will leave.

[skeeta]

He announced this morning that he is leaving Real Madrid at end of the season.

I am in mourning.

The exact quote (at least according to Marca) was a "signal from God". I've had to send my assistant out for another box of tissues; it's just too much for me to bear. It is interesting to think about what would have happened to Carlos had he not hit THAT free kick in le Tournoi.

[Pennywise]

Only diamonds are forever. He has been in Real Madrid for 11 years and that's impressive.

One of the most famous leftbacks all time for Real Madrid, and perhaps in the world.

He has been very unstable the last seasons. Espesially the away matches and he is not 26 anymore.

Great, great player which have won the CL and the league three times each.

[MUFC]

Great player but past his best now, best thing all round

[kennethlindheim]

11 years for a foreigner on the team is incredible. He revolutionised that fullback position. But in the last couple of years his form has gone completly down.

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Carlos keen to play on

Roberto Carlos believes be can play for up to four more years after confirming his decision to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season.

The Brazilian left-back, who has been with the Liga giants for 11 years, stated earlier on Friday that this season would be his last at Santiago Bernabeu.

Roberto Carlos has no plans to hang up his boots just yet, but is refusing to say where he will be plying his trade next season.

"I have three or four years more of soccer and I want to play as much as possible," he stated.

"I do not know if it will be in Brazil, Qatar or where."

Roberto Carlos was at fault for Bayern Munich's opener on Wednesday and the 32-year-old is now looking to leave Real on a high.

"After the game, I felt very bad, I have spoken about it a lot and this is the time to end my sporting life at Real Madrid.

"It is my decision. Just as I made the decision to stay last year, the decision to go is down to me.

"I don't want to cheat the Real fans. It is better to leave now and think a little more about my life."

Source: Skysports

[Trim]

I don't know if big teams would still want him. I doubt.

[Forza_Roma]

Ronaldo wants Carlos at Milan...........

Ronaldo wants Ronaldinho and Roberto Carlos to join him at Milan. Galliani ‘Good idea'
17-Mar-2007



Milan striker Ronaldo told AS newspaper: “Here at Milan I get to play and I am very happy for that. I have never worked as well as I am now, thanks also to Milan Lab. I always gave 100% at Real, but at times I did not train well out of frustration. It was them who wanted me to leave but I am still a Real fan, and I hope they will win the title, despite Capello. They made a mistake in giving him all this power. I have never had problems with any of the players, let alone Raul. The president’s only mistake was to sack a manager as good as Del Bosque. If I could, I would sign Ronaldinho and Roberto Carlos, they would fit in very well here at Milan. I also think it’s impossible that Kaka will leave for Real.”

Milan vicepresident Galliani then commented Ronaldo’s suggestion, saying: “Interesting, but I know nothing about this. It’s a good idea though, very fascinating.”

Source(text): Calciomercato
Source(images): Reuters

[Trim]

LOL at AC Milan. They're obssesed with signing oldies.