Former Brazil defender Roberto Carlos has claimed he almost joined Chelsea in 2007. The left back was a free agent at that time and had a conversation with the club over a possible transfer.
Regarded as one of the best left backs of all time, the 43-year-old was a part of the Real Madrid Galacticos. He spent a long 11 years playing for the Spanish giants winning four La Liga and three Champions League trophies with them. Carlos left the club in 2007 and had been approached by the West Londoners. But the deal didn’t materialise as both parties they failed to reach an agreement.
Carlos went on to join Turkish side Fenerbahce following a move to Corinthians.
He said, “I spoke to Roman Abramovich about it.
“We had a meeting in Paris but it didn’t happen due to a few small factors.
“I watch the Premier League every weekend. I think it’s fantastic. One thing you notice is that the teams considered small are capable of surprising the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and City.
“There are so many great players in the Premier League and of course the big teams are always the favourites, but the teams below them also play good football. The mixture of foreign and English players works really well.
“I love English football because it’s real football. I love everything that surrounds it. The public, the atmosphere, the preparation. I always speak to Willian from Chelsea before his games – he loves it here.”
