History: Jose Mourinho and Ricardo Carvalho having
enjoyed success in both England and Portugal
Jose Mourinho has given the clearest
indication yet that he will be reunited with Ricardo Carvalho at
Real Madrid before the start of the season.
The Portuguese pair worked together at Porto before the manager
moved to Chelsea in
2004. Carvalho duly followed that same summer in a deal worth
£19.8m and has proved a sturdy foundation ever since.
However, after six years at Stamford Bridge the defender has
revealed his desire to move on, claiming that he would go 'swimming
or running' to the Bernabeu if his former mentor came calling.
And it seems the feeling is mutual. When pushed on Spanish TV as
to the likelihood of a deal, Mourinho said: 'I always said that
Carvalho is one of the best in the world. We'll see what
happens.'
Carvalho, who turned 32 in May, has seen his place in the
Chelsea come under-threat from the younger Alex and Branislav
Ivanovic.
Mourinho, though, is unconcerned by the player's advancing
years.
He is in the period of his greatest maturity,' he added.
Hitching a ride: Carvalho revealed he has a deal in
place with Chelsea should Real Madrid come knocking
Carvalho sat out the second part of last season with
ankle ligament damage as Chelsea romped to their first ever
'Double'.
He said earlier this month that an agreement was in place with
Chelsea that allows him to find a new club this summer.
'If there was a possibility to sign for Madrid, I would go there
right now swimming or running,' he said. 'It would be a dream to be
able to play for Madrid, which for me is the best club in the
world.
'Chelsea have a commitment with me to let me go this summer, for
reasons which those responsible at the club and I know.'
