Portugal international footballer Ricardo Carvalho has seen it all as a top class footballer, and at 39, the defender will not be part of his national team which will feature in Russia 2017 Confederations Cup, but he has news for every football lover.
The center-back who now plays for Chinese club side Shanghai SIPG has tasted both glory and pain in football. He was part of the historical side which won last year’s European Championships (Euro 2016).
Carvalho’s first remarkable victory with Portugal, at the highest level, came just 53 days after his 38th birthday.
“I was proud of that,” he confessed with the tournament’s gold medal dangling on his neck. “It shows that nothing is impossible.”
In his latest interview with FIFA’s official website, the former Porto, Chelsea and Real Madrid player talked about his early years in football when he played alongside football icons such as Luis Figo, Deco, Rui Costa and a very young Cristiano Ronaldo.
He acknowledge that the country’s 2004 squad was as good, and in the same spirit, as that of 2016 except for the former’s lack of silverware.
In his words: “We had an unbelievable squad in 2004 and the spirit was great, just as it was in 2016.
“The only difference is that we missed out on the title, and that’s football. You need a little bit of luck.”
He regretted the fact that he won’t be among the squad to represent Portugal in Russia for the 8-team tournament but gave his blessings.
The former Monaco star warned that his compatriots are hungry for more glories.
“This is another great competition for us after 2016, and I think the ambitions are again to win the cup,” said Carvalho.
“We already got our names carved in the European trophy last year, so it is important now to get out hands on a global trophy for our country.
“It would mean a lot. The Portuguese people love football and, after seeing the team prevail in Europe last year, they are waiting for the next great achievement.”
Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to shoulder a big responsibility as the team leader, having won 4 Ballon d’Ors — with one more in sight to equal Lionel Messi’s record.
The famous No. 7 recently won a UEFA Champions League and La Liga doube. The achievements speak volume of what any player or team can achieve with dedication and hard work.
“Cristiano is the most complete player in the world,” Carvalho added, “and he works harder than anyone.”
One thought on “Ricardo Carvalho hails Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal Teammates ahead of Russia 2017 Confederations Cup”