Cicinho: Real Madrid more welcoming than Man Utd

Sao Paulo defender Cicinho has explained why he chose Real Madrid over Manchester United last month.
 
The Brazil international right-back has signed a pre-contract with Real and is expected to move to Spain in December at the conclusion of the Brazilian championship.

"I'm very happy to be joining Real Madrid," he told AS. "I knew I was joining while in Split with Brazil for our game against Croatia."

"Roberto Carlos called me in after training and handed me the phone. On the other end was Vanderlei Luxemburgo, who asked me if I was interested in playing for Real Madrid. I said 'yes'."

"At the time, I was speaking with Manchester United, but my priority was always to play in Spain."

"The number of Brazilians at Real convinced me. I knew it would be easier to adapt at Real than Manchester United. I also believe Spanish football is more attractive (than English)."