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Roberto Carlos has revealed he came incredibly close to playing in the Premier League, with only a signature on the dotted line missing.
The 48-year-old is arguably the best left-back in football history, playing over 100 times for Brazil and winning the World Cup in 2002.
He also played 527 times for Real Madrid and won three Champions League trophies with Los Blancos.
But the free-kick king had plenty of offers to play in England during his glittering career, nearly signing for Aston Villa, Birmingham City and Chelsea at different points.
"All I had to do was sign the contract!" Carlos told SPORTbible.
"That was the only thing I did not do, otherwise I was very close.
“In 1993 Aston Villa, 1994 Birmingham City and 2007 Chelsea. I would have liked to have played in England but I didn’t have any regrets.
“I played for Real Madrid, who are the best club in the world.
“Now that I can’t play in the Premier League, I at least watch every match on television.”
Carlos has played in England many times, most recently during the annual Soccer Aid charity match when he was part of the triumphant Rest of the World side at the Etihad Stadium.
However, next month the former Inter Milan man will play for a Sunday League team on these shores for a one-off game.
Teams can bid £5 for Carlos to help them out as a 'Dream Transfer' - with all the proceeds going to the Football Beyond Borders charity.
The winning team, announced on 31 January, will get Carlos rolling back the years for one game, while the one and only Chris Kamara will be providing commentary for the fixture.
“If they want me to play they’ll have to pay!" Carlos added.
"It’s a very interesting campaign by eBay because I can play for any team.
“I’ve seen lots of videos of Sunday League teams and it’s something that interests me because these types of teams are something new for us as players.
“I played in the old Wembley Stadium and for me playing at Wembley was a dream. It was a day I won’t ever forget because of the atmosphere and the respect we were given by people there.
“It was wonderful.
“I like English football a lot. I like the atmosphere and the quality of players. English football is just English football. The English league is one of the best in the world.”
For the chance to sign Roberto Carlos or Eni Aluko for your Sunday league team, enter eBay's Dream Transfer for just £5 and raise money for Football Beyond Borders.
Featured Image Credit: Image: PATopics: Roberto Carlos, Brazil, Real Madrid, Inter Milan
Josh Lawless