"I've had problems with people who wiped out my account. Due to agents and family issues, I lost 99% of everything I'd earned in football. I made mistakes, and that's why I urge younger players not to do the same."
Former Brazilian national team and Real Madrid full-back Roberto Carlos revealed this at the Portugal Football Summit, which was reported by Brazilian media.
"I've always thought about life after my career. It means building a legacy as a player and enhancing your image. When I decided to retire, I already had a sports director's license and was collaborating with many brands," he said, noting that despite planning his future, he saw his bank account empty, almost losing everything.
"I had a serious problem with my former agent and a very serious family issue. One Thursday, I went to bed at midnight, and on Friday, I received a stack of documents I didn't even know existed. That's when I lost all my assets," he said.
The former footballer said he's started using his experience as a warning to younger athletes. "I share everything negative that happened in my life with younger players, so they don't make the same mistakes I did," he said.
(Unioneonline)
