World Cup veteran left back Roberto Carlos was officially
introduced to Corinthians fans on Monday and vowed to help the
Brazilian club win its first Copa Libertadores title.
Returning to Brazil after 15 years in European football, the
36-year-old defender signed a two-year contract with Corinthians
and said he will end his career at the club after leaving Turkish
side Fenerbahce last month.
"It's an important year for Corinthians, playing the
Libertadores in its centennial," he said. "This title would mean
the same, or even more, than the (Champions League) I won with Real
Madrid in Europe. It's one of the few titles I haven't won in my
career."
The Copa Libertadores - Latin America's most important club
competition - also is the only major title to elude Corinthians,
which is Brazil's second most popular club behind Flamengo.
About 3,000 fans welcomed Carlos at the team's stadium,
celebrating and chanting his name.
"I've had emotional moments in my career before, but this one
is unique," he said. "It's moving to hear this crowd yell my name.
I hope to reward them on the field."
Carlos played for Corinthians' rival, Palmeiras, before
moving to Europe in 1995 to join Inter Milan and eventually Real
Madrid and Fenerbahce.
He will be joining former Brazil teammate Ronaldo, who has
been playing with Corinthians since last year.
Both players were starters when Brazil won the 2002 World Cup
in South Korea and Japan, and also were together at the 2006 World
Cup in Germany, when Brazil was eliminated by France in the
quarterfinals.
"Ronaldo is not only my friend, I can call him my brother,"
Carlos said. "I've learned a lot with him and it's great to see him
scoring goals again."
Corinthians said his contract is similar to Ronaldo's deal
with the team, which is largely based on marketing actions. The
player said he talked a lot with Ronaldo before deciding to sign
with the club and said the striker was key in his return to
Brazilian football.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
Carlos also said he is fit and hopes that good performances
with Corinthians this year could open the door to a return to the
national team for the first time since the 2006 World Cup.
Corinthians will debut this season in the traditional Sao
Paulo state championship against Monte Azul on Jan. 17. The team is
the competition's defending champion.
