Brazil legend Roberto Carlos has claimed that he almost signed for Chelsea seven years ago.

The iconic left-back spent the majority of his career with Real Madrid after joining the La Liga side in 1996.

The World Cup winner, 43, spent 11 years in Spain, winning four La Liga titles and three Champions League trophies as well as one Super Cup triumph.

He left the club as a free agent in 2007, and says that he almost moved to the Premier League with Chelsea before eventually joining Turkish club Fenerbahce.

“I spoke to Roman Abramovich about it,” he told Sky Sports. “We had a meeting in Paris but it didn’t happen due to a few small factors.

“I watch the Premier League every weekend. I think it’s fantastic. One thing you notice is that the teams considered small are capable of surprising the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and City.

“There are so many great players in the Premier League and of course the big teams are always the favourites, but the teams below them also play good football. The mixture of foreign and English players works really well.

“I love English football because it’s real football. I love everything that surrounds it. The public, the atmosphere, the preparation. I always speak to Willian from Chelsea before his games – he loves it here.”