Roberto Carlos threatens Barca switch

Real Madrid defender Roberto Carlos revealed on Tuesday that he would happily join Barcelona if the Bernabeu supporters continue to give him a hard time.

Reports claim that Barca have already begun negotiations with Roberto Carlos, who is unhappy with the terms of his contract. The left-back has denied the suggestions, but admits he is not sure of his future at Real.

"There is really not a problem with my contract," he insisted. "I have heard the stories about Barcelona and it makes me very proud to know that they are interested."

"Barcelona are a club I have a lot of respect for and if the fans want me to leave I'd be off straight away. Maybe to Barca, maybe to Brazil," he revealed.

The Brazil star also admitted: "Money does not come into the equation. The most important thing for me right now is the love of my family and people filling the stadium every Sunday."

Roberto Carlos has hinted that this could be his last season playing for the recently-crowned Spanish champions. "I have been away for a long time and I'm starting to feel homesick," said the former Internazionale player.

"I am planning to return to Brazil in three or four years because of my family, but I could change my mind. It's unlikely, though, because I am very sure of what I want for me and my family."

Roberto Carlos, who has been at Real for five years, has earned a reputation as one of finest attacking full-backs in the world.

He made his Brazil debut as a 17-year-old and went on to play a starring role in the 1995 Panamerican games. The stocky No 3 also finished with a runners-up medal in the World Cup in 1998. His Real Madrid contract expires in 2006.