Carlos welcomes arrival of his future replacement Marcelo
Real Madrid left-back Roberto Carlos has welcomed the arrival of
Marcelo as it will allow him to reduce his workload.
The 33-year-old has been a fixture for the Spanish giants since his
arrival from Internazionale in 1996 and has admitted to feeling the
strain in recent times.
But the purchase of his long-term replacement from Fluminense will
give him the breather he believes he needs every now and
again.
"I will finally have a player to play in my place sometimes," he
told GloboEsporte.com.
"Ive played more than 560 matches for Real Madrid and more than 100
for the national team. It will be very good to have him here (in
Madrid). It is very difficult to maintain a high level when you
play all the matches in a season."
Roberto Carlos is Madrids longest-serving overseas player and he
has revealed that he is close to agreeing to extend his stay to a
dozen years.
"Everything is arranged," he said. "Im very happy to conclude my
European career at Real Madrid."
When he finally severs his ties with the nine-time European
champions, the former Palmeiras man wants to finish his career back
in his homeland.
He added: "I still think of playing in Brazil. I would like Santos
to be the team as Im fan of them, but I still have two more years
to decide."
After the World Cup in Germany, in which Brazil were eliminated at
the quarter-finals, Roberto Carlos hung up his international boots
and the Brazilian Football Confederation is rumoured to be
organising a farewell game for him and fellow veteran defender
Cafu.
"I havent thought about that really. If I am invited, Id accept
with pleasure", he said.
