ROBERTO CARLOS SIGNS NEW DEAL

The outrageously-gifted Brazilian, coveted by Manchester United and numerous Italian sides, has signed a deal that will keep him in the Spanish capital until 2005. As he is now 27, that effectively binds him to Madrid for the remainder of his playing days.

"This is the contract of my life," he revealed. "I`ll not play for another top club before retiring. I like this club, the city and the fans."The deal was quickly processed, following talks between the two parties and agent Oliveira Junior, to frustrate any clubs hoping to snap up the former Inter Milan star.

His clause has now shot up to an astounding £52 million, and the personal terms agreed by the left back are also rumoured to be extremely lucrative.

Roberto Carlos was exceptional in the Champions League final, against Valencia, and he came on as a substitute for Brazil at Wembley in Saturday`s friendly against England.