Ricardo Carvalho has hanged up his boots for the Portuguese national team just ahead of Friday’s UEFA Euro 2012 qualifier against Cyprus.
According to Portuguese magazine Record, Ricardo Carvalho got involved in a dispute at the end of a training session. He eventually walked off using Fabio Coentrao’s car to leave the camp. The Portuguese Football Federation released the following statement on Wednesday afternoon:
“The player left the training camp on Wednesday, by his own initiative and without communicating that absence to the FPF or to the national coach.”
On Wednesday evening, Ricardo Carvalho announced his decision to retire from international football. The Real Madrid defender explained what it was due to by declaring:
“I feel in great shape, both physically and mentally—just like my performances for the club [Real Madrid] and the national team have shown.
“If they make me feel like a burden and will not tell me, the only possibility is to leave. I have never felt this disrespected and hurt in my dignity before.
“Between my peers, I am just one more athlete. However, I, too, deserve consideration and respect.
“I did not plan to end my international career this way but I do it convinced that I always honored my country.”
Ricardo Carvalho made his debut for Portugal’s national team in 2003. He will not add more to his 74 caps unless he comes out from retirement.
“The player left the training camp on Wednesday, by his own initiative and without communicating that absence to the FPF or to the national coach.”
On Wednesday evening, Ricardo Carvalho announced his decision to retire from international football. The Real Madrid defender explained what it was due to by declaring:
“I feel in great shape, both physically and mentally—just like my performances for the club [Real Madrid] and the national team have shown.
“If they make me feel like a burden and will not tell me, the only possibility is to leave. I have never felt this disrespected and hurt in my dignity before.
“Between my peers, I am just one more athlete. However, I, too, deserve consideration and respect.
“I did not plan to end my international career this way but I do it convinced that I always honored my country.”
Ricardo Carvalho made his debut for Portugal’s national team in 2003. He will not add more to his 74 caps unless he comes out from retirement.
