Chelsea VAVEL takes a look at legendary former-left Roberto Carlos’ words on his failed move to Chelsea in 2007.

Carlos was available as a free agent after his contract expired at Real Madrid, the Brazilian ending his 11-year stay at the Santiago Bernabeu, with the Blues one of only two clubs fighting to seize his signature.

“I had two offers, Fenerbahce and Chelsea," Carlos told Goal after the Challenge Heineken Legends event earlier this month. "Chelsea didn't work out so I signed for Fenerbahce.”

He explained how the deal was all set for him to join the Blues but an issue with the legal side of the transfer meant it fell through at the last minute.

It was close to a done deal

“With Chelsea, it got very close. It was literally agreed and I just had to go there and sign the contract. It was just a week before I signed for Fenerbahce and I had been to Paris to meet both Roman Abramovich and Peter Kenyon (Chelsea’s former chief executive).”

"Unfortunately, in the final moments something didn't work out just before finalising, which happens a lot in football. There was an issue with the lawyer.”

Carlos, who would have been 34 at the time of joining Chelsea, insisted that he would have fit in well in the Premier League.

“I am 100% sure I would have done well in the Premier League and it would have suited my characteristics.”

Carlos then revealed how he almost joined Aston Villa at 22, but the Midlands side couldn’t afford the transfer fee.

“I was still playing in Brazil with Palmeiras when Aston Villa came in for me in 1995 but they couldn't afford the deal," he explained. "After that, I went to Inter."

  • Madrid's future superstars

The former defender also spoke about Real’s latest batch of youngsters and how he tips them to go straight to the top.

“Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo of Real Madrid are the future, along with Gerson," he declared. "These are the guys I am most excited about.’’

"All three are fantastic players and they will be very successful.”

Carlos ended by talking about how he feels that fellow Brazilian and current Madrid defender Marcelo is the leading example for all budding left-backs.

“I feel like I was an example to follow after what I achieved, just like what Marcelo is doing now in Real Madrid," he argued. "People will follow Marcelo just as they followed me.”