This isn't the first time the former footballer has sought out what the city has to offer
Roberto Carlos
Roberto Carlos(Image: PorkyAskew Instagram)
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Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos made the most of this time on Merseyside this week as he paid a visit to a Liverpool restaurant. The former Brazil international now acts as a club ambassador for the Spanish side. Carlos won three Champions League trophies with Madrid, in 1998, 2000 and 2002.
Ahead of the highly-anticipated Champions League clash between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid last night, November 4, Carlos took time away from his duties to see what Liverpool had to offer as he enjoyed a meal.
Carlos visited a restaurant that has recently been named "the best" in the city, The Art School Restaurant. The British Restaurant Awards is an annual ceremony that allows the public to nominate and vote for their favourite restaurants, chefs, and culinary experiences across the UK, recognising excellence in the hospitality industry.
Owner Paul Askew shared his delight after receiving the recognition in September and has now reacted to the unexpected visit of the former defender, who ate and drank at his restaurant. The award-winning spot is located on Sugnall Street.
Sharing a post to Instagram last night, Paul Askew wrote: "A legend of the game came for lunch today Roberto Carlos. So great to meet you and cook for you at The Art School Restaurant. What a great guy! But now it’s time for the match." It isn't the first time Carlos has been spotted in the city.
Photos seen by the ECHO in 2023 showed the 52-year-old with a beaming smile as he took in the sights and sounds of Mathew Street and SGT Peppers bar. Photos were shared by surprised fans at the time on social media, including one who couldn't fit into the bar but managed to catch a snap of a "quarter of his [Carlos] baldy head."
The fan who took that snap said on X: "Roberto Carlos just wandering round Mathew Street hahahaha. Just heard some fella shout Roberto, looked up and he’s just on his own wandering about laughing to himself." The Mathew Street visit came as Liverpool took on Madrid in a round of 16 first leg clash at Anfield
Carlos may have enjoyed exploring Liverpool prior to the game yesterday, but the match itself will not have been as enjoyable for the Brazilian. In similar fashion to 12 months ago Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring against the Spaniards in the second half, cementing a 1-0 victory for Liverpool.
A crowd of just under 60,000 fans made it a difficult match for the Spanish side, who failed to score. The result means Arne Slot's side have now taken nine points from twelve at the halfway point of the opening stage and are in the running to secure a top-eight place and direct qualification to the knockout rounds.
One goal proved enough for the Reds to clinch back-to-back victories and clean sheets, they return to action on Sunday against Manchester City in the Premier League.