Brazilian pledges future to Real

Roberto Carlos is poised to sign a three-year extension to his existing contract that would see the Brazilian finish his career at Real Madrid.

The 28-year-old's existing deal expires at the end of the 2004/05 season, so this new package would see the left-back at the Bernabeu until 2008 when he will be 35.

That would probably see the end of his top-class playing career but Roberto Carlos hinted at the possibility of continuing his playing days back in his homeland.

HE SAID: "I want to retire from top-flight football when I'm 35 and go back to Brazil to be with my family. I could probably still play for another team over there but at a much lower level."

His new contract with the Merengues is expected to see the dead-ball specialist become one of Real's highest earners, alongside Raul and Luis Figo.

The Spanish champions would still want to retain control over the player's image rights in keeping with players who earn over $US 4m a year, a move that would bring in millions of dollars over the next five years.

Another issue Real are looking into, as part of the new contract, is his nationality. The club are contemplating pushing for Roberto Carlos to be granted Spanish and EU citizenship as he has been in full-time employment in Spain for the required minimum of five years.