Corinthians reach verbal deal with Carlos

The head coach of the Brazil's Corinthians soccer team, Mano Menezes, announced on Tuesday that the club has reached a verbal agreement with Roberto Carlos for his joining in 2010.

Menezes stressed that nothing is finalized and that negotiations still need to progress.

"We received a verbal agreement from Roberto Carlos, but many things still need to evolve in order to make this happen," said Menezes.

"We have to button down general terms that will guarantee his presence with Corinthians," added Menezes.

The attractiveness of Corinthians has been pushed along by Roberto Carlos' close friend, Ronaldo. Carlos, a current member of the Fenerbahce soccer club, has already told the team his desire to return to Brazil.

"Roberto Carlos wants to come back to Brazil. His wife is pregnant and he is interested in beginning a new project in Brazil.I informed him on a couple of positive things at Corinthians, such as security," said Menezes.

"I told him about the fears I had about returning to play in Brazil and how everything worked out. I would personally take a cut in pay in order to play with Roberto Carlos again, but it's up to the Corinthians administration."

Despite Tuesday's news from Corinthians, the Santos soccer team also claims to be in advanced stage of negotiating with the midfielder. As the year is coming to close, clubs are likely to heat up as teams throughout Brazil attempt to lure in the international soccer star.

Source: Xinhua