Dubai: Roberto Carlos, the former Brazilian defender and a Real Madrid galactico, has hailed the close ties between Brazil and the UAE.
Carlos, who was a special guest at the final of the futsal competition, on the concluding night of the fourth Nad Al Sheba (NAS) Ramadan Sports Tournament late on Tuesday, told journalists football has been the biggest bond between the two nations.
“Football and football players have long been the biggest ambassadors for Brazil all over the world. I feel proud to be at this wonderful sports complex and witness such an exciting and close final between two great teams,” Carlos told Gulf News after Tuesday’s futsal final.
“One of the salient points in developing football has been this Brazilian connection with countries all over the world, and I am pleased to see this close connection between the UAE and Brazil,” he added.
Carlos, who was coach-cum-player for Delhi Dynamos in the Indian Super League (ISL) last year, insisted on the development of futsal at the grass roots level especially among the younger players.
“Nearly every great footballer has played futsal at some point of his life. Futsal gives you the basics and we need to encourage our youngsters to play futsal during their growing years,” the 43-year-old said.
“Futsal is fast and one can witness real talent of players. Futsal is the right sport that can only be helpful in aiding the development of players,” he added.
Carlos spent 11 years of his club career with Real Madrid starting in 1996, during which time he played 584 matches in all competitions and scored 71 goals, in the process winning for La Liga titles and three Uefa Champions League crowns.
“There is no shortcut to success in football, or in any sport for that matter. Over the years we have this proven method of training players that essentially starts with futsal at some stage early in the career of a player. All we need to do is to show our youngsters this path,” Carlos suggested.
The Brazilian was full of praise for the facilities available at the Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex.
“This complex is among the best and I am privileged to be here tonight. I hope we can cooperate in the future as well,” he said.
