Former Brazil defender Roberto Carlos retires
Roberto Carlos (right) during his time at Real Madrid.
Rio de Janeiro, Aug 2 (IANS)Former Brazil and Real Madrid defender Roberto Carlos has announced his retirement from football.
The 39-year-old will assume an ambassador’s role for Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala, where he played the last of his 22 professional seasons, reports Xinhua.
“Roberto was a world class player and it’s sad that we’re not going to see him play again,” Anzhi coach Guus Hiddink said Wednesday.
“Thankfully Roberto has agreed to take on a role with the club to help develop football in the region and throughout Russia.”
Carlos began his professional career in 1991 at Uniao Sao Joao, going on to play for Palmeiras before a move to Europe with Inter Milan in 1995. He signed for Real Madrid the following year, staying at the Spanish giants until 2007.
Before joining Anzhi, he had spells at Turkish side Fenerbahce and Corinthians in Brazil.
Carlos, a member of Brazil’s 2002 World Cup winning squad, revealed Anzhi was planning a testimonial match against Real Madrid, the club he represented 370 times between 1996 and 2007.
“We have sat down with (Real president) Florentino Perez and discussed the possibility of a match,” Carlos said.
“We need to establish a date that suits both clubs. I’d like it to be played here in Russia.”
Carlos played 125 games for Brazil and was a member of the team’ s 1998, 2002 and 2006 World Cup squads. Known for his turn of pace and ability at free-kicks, Carlos will especially be remembered for his stunning “banana shot” against France in 1997, in which he curled in a left-foot free-kick which seemed to be going yards (metres) wide.
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