Roberto Carlos to stay at Real Madrid
MADRID, July 31 (Reuters) - Brazilian defender Roberto Carlos has said he wants to continue with Real Madrid after speaking to new coach Fabio Capello.
"I want to stay at the club. I say it loudly and clearly," the fullback told Spanish sports daily AS on Monday.
After 10 years with Real the 33-year-old had hinted at a possible move at the end of last season, saying he had received an offer from English champions Chelsea for a three-year contract.
Turkish side Fenerbahce, now managed by Brazilian Zico, are also reported to be interested in taking the player who has one year left on his contract at Real with an option of another dependant on the number of games he plays next season.
"After returning from my holidays I feel good. Capello has given me new enthusiasm and I am a lot happier," he added.
"We have had a long chat and spoken about everything. He has told me he is counting on me, that he wants me in the side and that he expects a lot from me."
Roberto Carlos has yet to speak to Real sports director Predrag Mijatovic, who is arriving at their pre-season training camp in Austria on Tuesday.
"I would like to make sure of the second year of my contract so that I know I can continue in the team until 2008," he said.
"But we will have to see what happens. I have spoken to Capello and now I have to explain to Mijatovic what I told the coach."
Roberto Carlos, who has won thee Champions League titles with Real, retired from international football after the World Cup finals in Germany.
