With Ricardo a key part of Porto’s remarkable two years packed with domestic and European honours, Marcel Desailly’s place is being taken by another proven winner who was tempting other big name clubs. His reputation as a complete central defender, dominant with both feet and head, was only enhanced at Euro 2004 where he was an undisputed selection for UEFA’s all-star squad of the tournament. 

Carvalho enjoyed an impressive first season at Chelsea, though his future at the club appeared to be in some doubt at the start of 2005/06.

The central defender was left out of the team to play Wigan Athletic on the opening day, and he launched a tirade against manager Jose Mourinho. The boss hit back by saying Carvalho 'should have an IQ test'.

The row cost the player his place in the team until he finally regained it in mid-September. By then the situation between player and coach appeared to have calmed.

He began his professional career in 1997, spending two seasons with Leca before joining Porto as a teenager. He made one appearance for the club before being farmed out on loan, firstly to Vitoria Setubal and then Alverca.

Carvalho was given a chance to shine in 2001/02 by Jorge Costa's loan move to Charlton Athletic. He made 25 league appearances and 10 more in European competition.

Then, in 2002/03, he played a key role as Porto, guided by Mourinho, won the UEFA Cup, Portuguese league title and the domestic cup.

He was handed his international debut in October 2003 as a second-half substitute in 5-3 friendly win over Albania.

Carvalho was again a first-team fixture in 2003/04 as Porto finished the season as champions of Europe, beating Monaco 3-0 in the Champions League final in Gelsenkirchen and retain the Portuguese league title.

He was named in Portugal's squad for Euro 2004 but was left out of the opening match against Greece. However, veteran Fernando Couto was dropped following the 2-1 defeat and Carvalho played a full part as Portugal reached the final, only to lose to Greece again.

Carvalho was subsequently named in UEFA's All-Star Squad of the tournament.

Within a matter of weeks he would be reunited with coach Mourinho at Chelsea.

Chelsea moved in to sign Portuguese international defender Ricardo Carvalho for a fee of £19.85million, signing a three-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

Real Madrid were reported to be interested in Carvalho, who excelled for Portugal at Euro 2004 having been left out of the opening game of the tournament.

Carvalho is an absolute beast in the air.

He made his Blues debut as a substitute in a 1-0 victory over Manchester United and went on to be a rock at the heart of the defence as the club won the Premiership and the Carling Cup.