The 33-year-old former Brazil international has spent 11 largely successful years at the Bernabeu, winning three Primera Liga titles and three Champions League crowns.

He intends to continue playing for another "three or four years" but does not yet know where he will ply his trade although a return to his homeland has been widely tipped.

"I have three or four years more of soccer and I want to play as much as possible," he said. "I do not know if it will be in Brazil, Qatar or where."

Roberto Carlos made his intentions known to Real sporting director Predrag Mijatovic and president Ramon Calderon before going public.

"It's time for a change, I have told Pedja and the president that I am going. I am not going to renew my contract," he told Spanish radio station Onda Cero.

The full-back admitted the criticism he has been subjected to recently had influenced his decision.

Real exited the Champions League to Bayern Munich on Wednesday, with Roberto Carlos' early mistake - he was caught in possession after 10 seconds - leading to Roy Makaay scoring the fastest goal in the competition's history.

Fabio Capello's side were subsequently eliminated at the last-16 stage on away goals.

"After (Wednesday's) game, I felt very bad, I have spoken about it a lot and this is the time to end my sporting life at Real Madrid," the player continued.

"It is a delicate moment in my life. I am very sad. My family in Brazil were also very sad after the game.

"It is my decision. Just as I made the decision to stay last year, the decision to go is down to me.

"I don't want to cheat the Real fans. It is better to leave now and think a little more about my life."