Roberto Carlos scores on Sunday league debut for Bull in the Barne United

Roberto Carlos made an unlikely return to action on Friday as the World Cup-winning former Brazil defender turned out for a Shropshire-based Sunday league team.

Shrewsbury side Bull in the Barne United, named after a local pub, had the 48-year-old ex-Real Madrid full-back making an appearance for them after winning a charity ‘Dream Transfer’ raffle on eBay in January.

He showed some nice touches after coming off the bench in the first half, and subsequently came back on to score a penalty late on as Bull in the Barne were beaten 4-3 by fellow Shrewsbury and District Sunday League Division 1 team Harlescott Rangers at Hanwood Village Hall Recreation Centre.

Roberto Carlos, who won over 100 caps and the 2002 World Cup with Brazil and spent 11 seasons with Real Madrid that included three Champions League triumphs, told the PA news agency after the game: “I’m very happy to be back playing.

“Football is amazing and even though I’ve had the opportunity to play with the biggest names in world football, playing here is very enjoyable. Always good to score a goal!

“A lot of people don’t realise that even though I played with some of the biggest clubs and best players in the world I started ‘here’ in Brazil, at 13, 14 years old. It brings back great memories for me playing on pitches like this.”

Roberto Carlos had seen some of the local area in the build-up to the match, and was set to join the players at the pub afterwards.

And he said: “I really enjoyed it – I also come from a small-town background, so I like the vibe in the area. I had a nice day here yesterday in the area, so I’ve had time to get to know it.

“It’s just amazing that football gives you these opportunities to be able to meet new people, new cultures, different