"Normally at 34 people are finishing their sports careers, but I feel like I am starting mine," he told Spanish radio Cadena Ser on Wednesday.

"They made me feel important again, happy again. My future looked dark but they opened the door and I saw the light and followed the path," he added.

The 2002 World Cup winner reluctantly moved to Fenerbahce after 11 years at Real Madrid, whom he joined from Inter Milan, after failing to reach an agreement with the Spanish giants on a contract extension.

He had been linked to a return to Inter Milan but failed to reach an agreement with the Italian side.

"Inter as with Real Madrid offered me a one-year contract and my plan is to play for four more years. Until my fitness lasts," he added.

"Fenerbahce has given me everything that Real Madrid would not give me. It hurts not to wear the white jersey again but I can't look back," he said.

Carlos said he was surprised to be blamed for Real Madrid being knocked out by Bayern Munich in the round of 16 of the Champions League in March.

"It bothered me. I got tired and I decided to go. I did not leave for money, at Fenerbahce I earn much less," he said.

Fenerbahce have not disclosed the duration or value of the contract, but Turkish newspapers reported that the club will pay Carlos four millions euros (5.3 million dollars) a year for two years and he will be eligible for bonuses totalling an additional one million euros (1.3 million dollars) a year.

But Carlos said he had signed for three years with the club with the possibility to extend the contract for another two years.

Thousands of fans cheered Carlos last week when he formally signed his contract with the club at Istanbul's Sukru Saracoglu stadium.

"It was incredible. I signed my contract before a packed stadium. They deserve to see Robert Carlos at his best. I am going to use my experience to win titles and get as far as possible in the Champions League," he said.

Fenerbahce began chasing Carlos last year, but the former international -- a World Cup winner in 2002 and finalist in 1998 -- decided to stay on with Real until the end of his contract.

During his tenure with Real, Roberto Carlos won three Champions League titles (1998, 2000 and 2002) and three Spanish league titles (1997, 2001 and 2003).

Fenerbahce crowned their centenary year this season with their 17th league title, but departed early from the Champions League.