World Cup-winning former Brazil defender Roberto Carlos is set to get a taste of English Sunday league football on Friday.
Shrewsbury side Bull in the Barne United, named after a local pub, will have the 48-year-old ex-Real Madrid full-back making an appearance for them after winning a charity ‘Dream Transfer’ raffle on eBay in January.
Carlos is set to be involved on Friday as Bull in the Barne face fellow Greenhous Shrewsbury and District Sunday League Division 1 team Harlescott Rangers in a friendly.
His professional playing career, which included over 100 caps and winning the 2002 World Cup with Brazil and 11 seasons and three Champions League triumphs with Real Madrid, most recently saw him have a spell in India with Delhi Dynamos in 2015.
When it was announced in January that he would be turning out for Bull in the Barne for one game, Carlos said in a statement: “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 that 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!”
Bull in the Barne manager and goalkeeper Ed Speller said: “Roberto Carlos is one of those legends who’s inspired so many young players’ love of the game.
“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 raffle also saw East Sussex team Pevensey and Westham land the services of former England, Chelsea and Juventus forward Eni Aluko for one fixture.
That game took place last month as Aluko came off the bench in Pevensey and Westham’s friendly loss to Ringmer AFC.
Money raised from the raffle, open to anyone associated with a Sunday league team and costing £5 to enter, has gone to Football Beyond Borders, a charity that helps disadvantaged young people in the community.
