Brazil footballer robbed on radio

Roberto Carlos plays club football in Spain, away from Brazil's crime

Brazil and Real Madrid football star Roberto Carlos has had his car attacked at gunpoint during a radio interview which he gave while stopped in traffic.

Two men, one with a pistol, pulled up alongside the vehicle as it sat in traffic in the city of Belo Horizonte.

The car's driver, a journalist, was robbed of a ring and a mobile phone before the assailants then sped off.

Violent crime is common in Brazil. The mothers of four footballers have been kidnapped for ransoms in recent months.

A shocked Carlos gave a small laugh as he described what had just happened live on Brazilian radio.

"They just robbed my car, they just robbed my car," the veteran Brazilian defender told his interviewer.

'Social problem'

His attackers did not appear to have recognised the man who has won 98 caps for his country.

During the interview, listeners had heard knocking sounds as the assailants banged on the car's window to get the attention of Carlos and the three others in the car, who included an unarmed bodyguard and a girl.

All escaped unhurt.

In the wake of the attack, the radio interviewer asked Carlos to comment on the high crime and murder rates that afflict Brazilian cities.

"It happens everywhere. It is a problem in our country because many people are out of work," the footballer said.

"But anyhow, I miss my country a lot and will keep coming [back]."