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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Samuel Meade

Roberto Carlos scores on comeback after "best Sunday League transfer in history"

Roberto Carlos appeared for Shrewsbury-based pub team Bull in the Barne United on Friday as the World Cup winner put his boots on once again.

The Shropshire-based team won the Brazilian's services through an eBay competition.

Carlos appeared off the bench as his new side took on Harlescott Rangers at the Hanwood Village Hall Recreation Centre.

The 48-year-old was unable to prevent Bull in the Barne United falling to a 4-3 defeat, appearing off the bench with his side 2-0 down, although he did slot home a late penalty.

After initially completing the signing the amateur Shrewsbury outfit claimed it was "the best Sunday League transfer in history".

Ed Speller, manager and goalkeeper for Bull in the Barne United said: “Roberto Carlos is one of those legends who has inspired so many young players’ love of the game.

Roberto Carlos came off the bench for the Sunday League side (PA)

"My jaw absolutely dropped when we found out Bull in the Barne won the Dream Transfer and he’ll be playing alongside the team in Shrewsbury.

"It should be a right laugh for him to come see what we’re made of, with some tense free kicks and hopefully no dodgy tackles."

The Real Madrid legend confessed his excitement, having almost signed for Birmingham City in the 1990s, which would've seen him end up near Shrewsbury.

Carlos said upon signing: "I'm excited to play for Bull in the Barne in Shrewsbury, paying homage to when I nearly signed for Birmingham City in the 90s, which is very close by.

"I've heard the team's been down a number of players this season, so here’s hoping my training is enough to help them up their game and bring what Bull in the Barne’s fans want to see."

Money raised from the raffle, which saw Carlos appeared for the Sunday League side, has gone to Football Beyond Borders, a charity that helps disadvantaged young people in the community.

Carlos amassed 125 caps across his international career, helping his country lift the 2002 World Cup and scoring 11 times.

It was his spell with Real Madrid that really saw him mark himself out as one of the world's best players.

The Brazilian scored from the spot on his return (AFP via Getty Images)

He claimed three Champions League titles in the space of five years with Los Blancos and came second in the 2002 Ballon d'Or to compatriot Ronaldo.

Carlos would leave Madrid in 2007 for Turkish side Fenerbahce before ending his career in 2015 with Delhi Dynamos.

The Brazilian was renowned for his free-kicks, which were struck with huge power.

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