Roberto Carlos apologizes to Palmeiras fans for playing for rival Corinthians

Former Brazil left‑back Roberto Carlos issued a public apology to Palmeiras supporters during the club’s official podcast, Palmeiras Cast. He said his first intention on returning to Brazil in 2010 was to re‑join Palmeiras, but negotiations fell through. After a brief, unsuccessful approach to his childhood club Santos, he accepted an invitation from former teammate Ronaldo to sign for Corinthians, where he played 64 matches in 2010‑11.

Carlos recalled his successful spell with Palmeiras from 1993 to 1995, when he helped the team win back‑to‑back Brazilian championships, Paulista titles and a Rio‑São‑Paulo tournament. He expressed gratitude for those years, stating, “I am very grateful to the Palmeiras fans; nothing will erase those two and a half years.” The apology was aimed at easing the rivalry‑driven criticism from fans who labelled him a “traitor.”