Ricardo Carvalho Bio

Since arriving at Chelsea in 2004, Carvalho has become considered to be one of the best defenders in the Premership. While John Terry is captain, many see Carvalho as the best defender at Chelsea and it was a relief to many when the arrival of Luiz Felipe Scolari saw him commit his future to the Blues. He had looked set to join up with Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan during the close-season of 2008.

He began his professional career in 1997, spending two seasons with Leca before joining Porto as a teenager.

Carvalho was given a chance to shine in 2001/02 by Jorge Costa's loan move to Charlton Athletic.

Then, in 2002/03, he played a key role as Porto, guided by Mourinho, won the UEFA Cup, Portuguese title and the domestic cup.

He was handed his international debut in October 2003 as a second-half substitute in 5-3 friendly win over Albania.

Carvalho was again a first-team fixture in 2003/04 as Porto finished the season as champions of Europe, beating Monaco 3-0 in the Champions League final in Gelsenkirchen and retaining the Portuguese league title.

Carvalho was subsequently named in UEFA's All-Star Squad of the Euro 2004 tournament.

Within a matter of weeks he would be reunited with former Porto coach Mourinho at Chelsea.

Chelsea moved in to sign Portuguese international defender Ricardo Carvalho for a fee of £19.85million, signing a three-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

He made his Blues debut as a substitute in a 1-0 victory over Manchester United.

Carvalho signed a new contract with Chelsea in May 2007 having helped Chelsea to two Premiership titles and two League Cups.