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Roberto Carlos unhappy Brazilian left-back to hold talks with Real
MADRID, Spain (AP) -- Roberto Carlos is to hold talks with Real Madrid on Friday amid reports that the Brazilian star is unhappy with his situation at the club. Spanish newspapers reported that matters to be discussed with Madrid's sporting director Jorge Valdano will include the Brazilian's salary and possible adoption of dual nationality. "I am meeting Valdano because we have to talk about my position. We need to sort a few things out," the left-back said after Wednesday's 4-0 Champions League win over Lokomotiv Moscow. Reports say Roberto Carlos, who is under contract until 2005, feels that his pay and status do not reflect his value to the club. Since he arrived from Inter Milan in 1996, the Brazilian has won a Champions League and two domestic titles, with his attacking flair and spectacular shooting making him a favorite with Madrid supporters. Reports said that the international left-back feels that his annual salary, estimated at 500 million pesetas (US$2.78 million) should be on a par with that of the club's best-paid players -- Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane and Raul Gonzalez, who are thought to earn twice the sum. They add that Roberto Carlos has also been irritated by his failure to be appointed as one of the club's three captains. Raul, Jose Maria 'Guti' Gutierrez and Fernando Hierro have those positions, and hold regular meetings with Madrid's management. Marca newspaper reported that Madrid aims to persuade the 28-year-old to take steps to adopt Spanish citizenship in order to free a place in the roster for a non-EU player. This season, Spanish clubs are permitted four players from outside the European Union. "I've got all the papers ready but I need the club to give me the word," Marca quoted the Brazilian as saying.
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
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