Sao Paulo, Jan 5 (DPA) Brazilian left-back Roberto Carlos returned to play football in his native country and joined Corinthians Monday with a one-year contract.
The former Real Madrid idol, who lately played for Turkish club Fenerbahçe, was welcomed by thousands of Corinthians’ fans at the Parque Sao Jorge stadium in Sao Paulo.

Ronaldo, another veteran of Brazil’s 2002 World Cup winning team, also plays for the popular club.

Roberto Carlos promised to do his best so that Corinthians can this year win their first-ever title at the prestigious Copa Libertadores, the South American equivalent of the UEFA Champions League.

“The (Copa) Libertadores will have to be for Corinthians, based on the team that has been put together, on the club’s structure,” the defender said.

Roberto Carlos, 36, a native of the state of Sao Paulo, noted that he has not given up the dream of returning to the Brazilian national team although he has been kept off the squad since the 2006 World Cup.

“I have to look forward to those three or four months of playing the Sao Paqulo state championship. However, if I am fine, it is possible that I may return. That depends on (coach Carlos) Dunga, who can keep an eye on me from up close,” Roberto Carlos said.