Chelsea's Ricardo Carvalho accepts he will not reunite with Mourinho at Inter

Source: Guardian.Co.Uk (Dominic Fifield in Los Angeles)


Ricardo Carvalho has conceded that his immediate future remains with Chelsea despite Jose Mourinho's protracted attempts to be reunited with his compatriot at Internazionale this summer. The defender said he is committed to re-establishing himself in the first-team at Stamford Bridge after last season's frustrations.

Inter had been in discussions with Chelsea over a potential move for both Carvalho and his Portugal international team-mate Deco, though no formal cash offer was ever made. The Premier League club eventually tired of Inter's procrastination, and suggestions that they might secure both players for nominal fees or in a swap deal. While Deco could yet move on before the new campaign, Chelsea have since informed Carvalho that he is not available for transfer and must honour the three years on his contract.

"The stories about me going [to Internazionale] started last season," said the centre-half. "There was a chance but, after that, it finished. It didn't happen. It came to nothing and I have got a contract here, so I will carry on and do my best for Chelsea. Of course, you never know what may happen in the future – we will see – but I think I will be staying here. Last year was disappointing – I didn't play and was injured for quite a long time. I was not happy, and maybe the club wasn't happy with me, but now I have to get myself fit and ready to play."

Carvalho had voiced frustration at the way Chelsea had treated his hamstring and ankle injuries, suggesting he had not benefited from adequate support during his lengthy spells on the sidelines – claims that rather baffled the club's hierarchy. He featured only four times under Guus Hiddink, and not at all after mid April, following the Dutchman's appointment on a temporary basis to follow Luiz Felipe Scolari's brief tenure.

Yet, while admiration for Mourinho remains, the Portuguese defender is now keen to prove to Carlo Ancelotti that he merits a starting place alongside John Terry at the heart of Chelsea's defence. "The new manager has been good so far," added Carvalho. "I will have to work with him and I want to get a chance with him. I haven't spoken to him much one on one – we have spoken more as a team – but I think he likes to be fair to everyone. For now, it is about going step by step, working hard and gaining more confidence to make sure we start the Premier League well and try to regain the title."