18 years ago today, Chelsea signed Ricardo Carvalho. After putting on a spectacular performance at the 2004 Euros, the star player from Portugal signed with the Blues. Upon his arrival at Stamford Bridge, the ace was reunited with former Porto manager Jose Mourinho. Carvalho played for Chelsea for six years. During that time, he played alongside former Blues captain John Terry in one of the best center back partnerships in Premier League history.
The now-44-year-old won three league trophies and the League Cup, which was formerly known as the Carling Cup, while he was living in England. The defender left the Bridge for the giants of La Liga Real Madrid, where he won a Copa Del Rey and a league trophy. The star played in Portugal’s improbable victory at the 2016 European Championship, which was his and Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo’s first international award. Carvalho worked as an assistant manager for Ligue 1 team Marseille under manager Andre Villas-Boas after retiring from professional football.
Throughout his career, the footballer managed to make 610 appearances in various leagues, including the Premier Liga and the Chinese Super League. Carvalho began his career at Porto, where he also spent time on loan at Leça, Vitória de Setbal, and Alverca. Under José Mourinho’s leadership, Carvalho went on to win both domestic and European championships.
Carvalho moved to Chelsea in July 2004 for just under €30 million. In his first two seasons with the Blues, he won one League Cup and two Premier League titles in a row. He was selected as the team’s Players’ Player of the Year in 2008. He helped Chelsea win the league and the FA Cup two years later, the club’s first double victory. He was a renowned player during his prime.