Roberto Carlos: 'I was very close to joining Chelsea'

Roberto Carlos has claimed that only a last-minute hitch prevented him from signing for Chelsea in 2007.

Having spent a successful 11-year spell at Real Madrid, the Brazil legend was available on a free transfer, a development which naturally alerted long-term suitors Chelsea.

However, the left-back instead linked up with Fenerbahce, despite acknowledging that it was only a matter of penning a contract with the Premier League outfit.

Speaking to Goal, the 47-year-old said: "I had two proposals, Fenerbahce and Chelsea. Chelsea didn't work out so I signed for Fenerbahce, but, with Chelsea, it got very close. It was literally agreed and I just had to go there and sign the contract.

"It was just a week before I signed for Fenerbahce and I had been to Paris to meet both Roman Abramovich and Peter Kenyon. Unfortunately, in the final moments something didn't work out just before finalising, which happens a lot in football. There was an issue with the lawyer.

"It was all agreed, though, and I am 100% sure I would have done well in the Premier League and it would have suited my characteristics."

Carlos went on to spend the next three years in Turkey, making a total of 104 appearances in all competitions.