This article was first published 22 years ago

Roberto Carlos keen to stay at Real Madrid

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Real Madrid defender Roberto Carlos is keen to stay with the Spanish club despite receiving an offer from Chelsea, sports daily Marca says.

The 31-year-old Brazilian, whose contract with Real expires in 2005, wants a longer extension than the two-year offer currently on the table, the paper said on Wednesday.

"I have given everything for Madrid and I want to stay here. It is like my home," Marca quoted Roberto Carlos as saying.

Chelsea reportedly offered Roberto Carlos a four-year contract worth six million euros (4.2 million pounds) a season.

"I don't want to talk any more about Chelsea," he added. "[Real Madrid and I] will reach an agreement without any problem but I want to be assured of four more years."

The arrival of Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich at Chelsea last year heralded a massive spending spree which helped the London club finish second in the premier league and reach the Champions League semi-finals.

Real have endured a disappointing season despite the signing of England captain David Beckham.

They exited the Champions League in the quarter-finals and lost the Spanish league title to Valencia with two games left to play, angering their fans and prompting a frenzy of media speculation about changes at the club.