Corinthians president Andres Sanchez says the 37-year-old former Brazil international asked to leave because of threats he and his family had received after the team was eliminated from the Copa Libertadores last week and because he had a “fantastic offer” to play overseas.

Sanchez did not say what offers the player had received but local media reported that the Los Angeles Galaxy and Russia’s Anzhi were interested in the player.

Roberto Carlos signed a two-year contract with Corinthians in January of 2010.