Why is Roberto Carlos in Shrewsbury?
Excitement is building in Shrewsbury as Roberto Carlos is in town but who exactly is he, and why is he here?
Who is Roberto Carlos?
Roberto Carlos is a Brazilian left-back who won the World Cup, has three Champions League winners medals and picked up several league titles over an iconic career that spanned 24 years.
He is best known for his 11 years at Real Madrid from 1996 to 2007, where he quickly established himself as the world’s best left back and one of the best players of his generation.
Why is he in Shrewsbury?
Despite hanging his boots up in 2015, the Brazilian legend is in town to return to action on the pitch for Sunday league team Bull in the Barne United, named after a local pub, who will have the 48-year-old playing for them for one game after winning a charity 'Dream Transfer' raffle on eBay.
How can I follow the match?
You can follow live updates from the Shropshire Star team live at the 'secret location' in the Shrewsbury area here.
What is the 'Dream Transfer' raffle?
The raffle, organised by eBay, say teams pay £5 to take part with the chance to have a football legend play for their side.
Bull in the Barne won and were rewarded with an appearance from Roberto Carlos.
The raffle also saw East Sussex team Pevensey and Westham land the services of former England, Chelsea and Juventus forward Eni Aluko for one fixture.
Money raised from the raffle, open to anyone associated with a Sunday league team, has gone to Football Beyond Borders, a charity that helps disadvantaged young people in the community.
Who are Bull in the Barne United?
Bull in the Barne United are a Sunday league side based in Shrewsbury, and named after a local pub.
The club have been together for more than 30 years with many of the current squad having played for the last decade.
At times this season the team has struggled with results and has been forced to play with 10 players – before a recent up-turn in fortunes – and they will now be joined by Carlos for their next match.
Ed Speller, the manager and also the club’s goalkeeper is excited about the temporary signing, saying: "It makes me speechless thinking about it actually happening. We’re all hoping he plays as many minutes as possible – the whole day will be insane.
"Everyone is buzzing about it and looking forward to getting the day going. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.
"We’re just an amateur pub team in Shropshire where everyone pays their own subs to pay, so it’s surreal to know he is coming to play with us."
What has Roberto Carlos said about playing Sunday league?
Speaking after Bull in the Barne were announced as the winners, Carlos referenced when he "nearly" signed for Midlands club Birmingham City which, at 40 miles away, he said is "very close".
He said: “I’m excited to play for Bull In The Barne in Shrewsbury, paying homage to when I nearly signed for Birmingham City in the 90s, which is very close by.
"I’ve heard that the team’s been down a number of players this season, so here’s hoping my training is enough to help them up their game and bring what Bull In The Barne’s fans want to see!”
Where is the pitch where Roberto Carlos is playing?
It is being kept a secret due to fears that large crowds will turn up, however it is in the Shrewsbury area.
