Roberto Carlos made it official earlier today, leaving Türkiye for the last time.  The former Fenerbahçe defender departed for Brazil today, leaving Atatürk Airport aboard an Iberia Airlines jet.  Carlos played his final match with the Yellow Canaries on Thursday - a 1-0 victory in the team's final UEFA Europa League group match. 

Roberto Carlos departed Türkiye Saturday, leaving for his native Brazil.  The legendary defender recently signed a two-year deal with Brazilian club Corinthians in an effort to be closer to his family.  Carlos stated that he will retire from his football career with Corinthians. 

Carlos was greeted at Atatürk Airport by well-wishers who presented him with flowers, as well as fans who requested photos with the former Canaries' star.  He spoke with reporters on Saturday, telling him he had mixed emotions about his departure from Istanbul.

"I have two separate feelings today," Carlos said.  "I'm sorry to leave Fenerbahçe, but this is also a new era in my life.  I'll continue to be happy."  The superstar was given a plaque by the club for his service with the Yellow Canaries at a ceremony this week as well.  Roberto Carlos signed with Fener on June 19, 2007, marking the highest-profile transfer in club history. 

"I've been here for two and a half years, but my time is over now.  I want to thank President Aziz Yıldırım, Vice-Presidents Murat Özaydınlı and Ali Koç, as well as Coach Daum.  I had a great time here, and I'm leaving behind a family," he said.

"I will continue to follow Fenerbahçe, and we have to beat Trabzonspor this weekend.  I wish all of my teammates success in football and in life, and I want to thank all of them very much," he said. 

Alex de Souza joked with Carlos as he presented his fellow Brazilian with a plaque at his ceremony, which read that Carlos will always be a Yellow Canary.  "Always remember, you never leave us.  You're an inspiration in football, and you made us better," the plaque read. 

"I'll be watching on television this year, and I believe Fenerbahçe will be champions," Carlos stated.  "I'll be very happy, and hopefully we'll say the same for UEFA Europa League and the Turkish Cup," he said. 

(photo courtesy of fenerbahce.org)