Ex-Premier League player Ricardo Carvalho was a wonderful servant for his country during his playing career. The former Chelsea centre back played for his beloved Portugal over a 13-year period with the record of five goals in 89 matches. His biggest achievement on the international football stage came at the 2016 European Championships in France as part of the Portugal team that beat the host nation to win the tournament in what was the first tournament won by his country. Portugal beat hosts France 1-0 at the end of extra time and little known striker Eder was the hero for the Portuguese team. It was some sort of redemption for Ricardo Carvalho, who was part of the Portugal team that lost the 2004 European Championship title to Greece as hosts. Greece beat Portugal 1-0 in the final to win the tournament at the expense of the home team.
Ricardo Carvalho played for Portugal from 2003 through to 2016 over a 13-year period as mentioned earlier. The Ex-Chelsea defender made his debut for the Portugal team during the win over Albania in what was an international friendly. Portugal beat Albania 5-3 in the first game for Ricardo Carvalho on October 11, 2003. He replaced skipper Fernando Couto at the heart of the Portugal defence at the end of the first group game at the 2004 European Championships on home soil. Just like in the final, Greece had beaten Portugal in the first game. Greece beat Portugal 2-1 in the final and that saw some changes for the subsequent games at the tournament. Ricardo Carvalho was rewarded with his strong performance by being named in the UEFA Team of the Tournament. Ricardo Carvalho also played for Portugal at the 2008 European Championships and the 2016 European Championships. He represented Portugal at the 2006 FIFA World Cup tournament in Germany and the 2010 FIFA World Cup tournament in South Africa.