Defender's 'Blue Book' blast

Roberto Carlos has hit out at the new 'Blue Book' written by Real club president Florentino Perez in order to teach the squad proper etiquette.

The outspoken Brazilian full-back told Antena 3 television on Wednesday that when he arrived at the Bernabeu five years ago, there was no 'Blue Book' and that he would be continuing to give his opinion on matters as and when he sees fit.

Real chairman Perez handed out copies of the discipline book to all members of the squad after the summer break. The book is a reminder to players that they are professionals and part of a huge business. Perez stresses that they must project a good image to the
rest of the world. Amongst other things, the book instructs players on how they must respect refereeing decisions, never protest against them and that it is important not to criticise Real's rivals through the media.

However, Real rebel Roberto Carlos has other ideas.

"I have a certain character and I'm not going to change because of what's been written in this book," the player explained.

"When I arrived, there was no 'Blue Book'. I have all the respect in the world for the person who has written this, but if I'm worried or angry about something, then why should I be forced to bottle it all up"

"Everyone at the club knows what I'm like and I won't be changing the way I am for some little 'Blue Book'."

Perez's book begins: "Did you know that there are millions of people all over the world who would give everything they have to play one minute with Real Madrid?"

It has been translated into the mother tongues of all foreign players in the squad.