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Former Brazilian national team and Real Madrid defender Roberto Carlos announced that after the end of the season, he will leave his current team, the Spanish capital club.
The 33-year-old Brazilian, who became one of the symbols of the "Royal" club in Madrid after more than a decade spent there, was linked with a move abroad before this season, and although he denied such rumors, recently the player discussed his future with sports director Predrag Mijatović and president Ramon Calderon.
"It's time to change. I told Pedja (Mijatović - ed. note) that I am leaving. I will not extend my contract," said the footballer to the Spanish radio station "Onda Cero."
About his departure, R. Carlos told the newspaper "Marca": "I can still play football for three or four years and I want to spend them at the highest level. I do not know if it will be in Brazil, Qatar, or somewhere else."
This week, the experienced defender received a lot of criticism after making a mistake in the crucial Champions League match against Bayern Munich - early in the game, the Brazilian lost the ball and gave the opponent striker Roy Makaay the opportunity to score the fastest goal in the tournament's history. Real lost the match with a score of 1-2 and once again had to leave the Champions League early.
"I am 33 years old and I do not deserve to suffer anymore. I have been in this club for 11 years, during which we achieved many things, but we lose once and all the blame is put on me. I cannot accept that. Speaking about Wednesday's match, I felt bad and talked about it a lot. At this moment, my career at Real Madrid is coming to an end," said the player.
"I made this decision myself. I do not want to deceive the fans of Madrid. It is better to leave the club now and think a little more about life. This is a difficult episode of my life. I am very sad. My departure will allow young players like Marcelo and Miguel Torres to improve. They are the future, and they need to wait for their chance. I will have to find motivation in another team, in another country," said R. Carlos.
The left-back, who played more than 570 matches in the Spanish league with Real Madrid, won the Champions League three times and became a Spanish champion, winning many other trophies. The Brazilian triumphed in the 2002 World Cup with his national team, and announced his departure from the team after the failure in last year's World Cup.
