Ricardo Carvalho: I joined Real Madrid from Chelsea because I needed a new challenge

Ricardo Carvalho – Real Madrid (Getty Images)

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Real Madrid defender Ricardo Carvalho has explained why he joined the Spanish giants from Chelsea, citing his urge for a new challenge as the main reason.

The Portugal international centre-back played for the Blues for six seasons between 2004 and 2010, winning three Premier League titles and reaching the final of the Champions League in 2008.

However, last summer Madrid landed Carvalho from the London side and the defender admits he wanted to prove he could be a success with the La Liga giants.

In an interview with Fifa.com, he said: “I can understand why some people were critical when I signed. I’m 32 but I was sure I’d be successful here. It’s a different style of play, and I wanted to show that I was in the right physical and mental shape.

“It would have been easier for me to stay at Chelsea, where I’d already earned people’s respect. Leaving there meant starting again, but that’s just what I needed: a challenge. Real Madrid was just the challenge I was looking for.”

The 2004 Champions League winner with Porto has already won a host of trophies during his career but is hungry for more with Real this season.

“Mourinho and I have won a lot of titles together, and I hope to win more with him here,” enthused Carvalho. “He’s the best coach in the world, and he knows exactly what needs to be done.”