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Brazilians linked with Gold Coast

2 September 2008 | 22:03 - SBS EXCLUSIVE

Roberto Carlos is reportedly keen on a stint with Gold Coast United (Getty Images)

Former Brazilian World Cup stars Roberto Carlos and Rivaldo are keen to end their careers with Gold Coast United - the new A-League franchise with more bling than P.Diddy.


Agents representing the duo have approached club officials in a bid to secure marquee player, or guest slots, for 2009-2010.

But United's head coach Miron Bleiberg is in no hurry to commit to either of the 30-somethings, preferring for the time being to construct the spine of a team with hungry young guns.

"It's true that Rivaldo and Roberto Carlos are keen to talk to us (through their representatives) and that shows the sort of impact being awarded a licence has had for us," explained Bleiberg.

"'But these so-called marquee players are not necessarily my priority. At the moment I am more concerned with building a good solid all-round team.

"My drive will be what is best for the club player-wise, the marketing department will look who is most likely to attract crowds and (billionaire owner) Clive Palmer will look at who is best value for money. Any decisions on marquee players will be a combination of all three."

Roberto Carlos, now 35, is coming to the end of his latest contract with Turkish giants Fenerbahce - and is looking for one final career flourish.

The most intoxicating attacking left-back in the world in his prime, he scored 71 goals in 584 games for Real Madrid where he also won four Spanish titles and three UEFA Champions League crowns.

A World Cup winner alongside Rivaldo in 2002, he also played in the 1998 World Cup final and remains the pre-eminent dead-ball specialist of his generation.

Attacking midfielder Rivaldo, 36, a former World and European Player of the Year, also spent his heyday in Spain, with Barcelona, where he won two league titles.

The scorer of 36 goals in 86 appearances for Brazil, his name alone still evokes awe.

But a wary Bleiberg added: "I am not sure what sort of money they want. At the moment nobody has talked numbers.

"Whatever happens we are not in the business of becoming a retirement village for stars of the past.

"We want players who can contribute on and off the park and are not here just to squeeze the lemon as much as they can.

"In any event we will not be taking any of this further until the transfer window open again in January.

"These big names are not what constructing a team is all about - am I going to build my side around Rivaldo?

"I want players in their prime who will bring glory to the Coast, rather than players who want to bring glory to their bank balances."

Meanwhile, the club's interest in comeback keeper Mark Bosnich, who is in the midst of a five-game deal with the Central Coast Mariners, appears to have tailed off somewhat with Bleiberg saying there are two other names ahead of him on his wish list.

United, meanwhile, will officially introduce former Socceroos captain Paul Okon as Bleiberg's right-hand man at the club's home, Skilled Park, on Wednesday.

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