Real Madrid great Roberto Carlos admits he was close to joining Chelsea in 2007.

The legendary Brazilian left-back is fondly remembered for his 11-year spell at Real Madrid where he won four La Liga titles and three Champions League crowns.

Carlos became a free agent in the summer of 2007 after parting company with the Spanish giants - and had proposals from Premier League heavyweights Chelsea and Turkish side Fenerbahce.

"I had two proposals, Fenerbahce and Chelsea," Carlos told Goal. "Chelsea didn't work out so I signed for Fenerbahce.

"But, with Chelsea, it got very close. It was literally agreed and I just had to go there and sign the contract.

"It was just a week before I signed for Fenerbahce and I had been to Paris to meet both Roman Abramovich and (former chief executive) Peter Kenyon.

"Unfortunately, in the final moments something didn't work out just before finalising, which happens a lot in football. There was an issue with the lawyer.

"It was all agreed, though, and I am 100 per cent sure I would have done well in the Premier League and it would have suited my characteristics."