Ricardo Carvalho: Being At Real Madrid Is Exactly How I Imagined

Portugal defender discusses first impressions of Real Madrid, as well as how a win for his nation versus Norway is imperative.

Sep 6, 2010 11:03:00 AM

By Paul Macdonald

More On :  Real Madrid CF, Ricardo Carvalho
Ricardo Carvalho, Jose Mourinho, Chelsea, 2006 (Getty Images)

Real Madrid defender Ricardo Carvalho has claimed that the atmosphere around his new club is exactly how he expected, and is pleased to be settling down in the Spanish capital.

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The former Chelsea stopper made his competitive debut for los Blancos in last weekend’s 0-0 stalemate with Mallorca, and is currently on international duty with Portugal, who were involved in an astonishing 4-4 draw with Cyprus on Friday evening.

Speaking in an interview with Spanish daily AS, Carvalho discussed the challenges facing his nation, as well as his early impressions of his new club.

He said, firstly of Madrid, “I feel very integrated and content in Madrid. The club is exactly how I imagined. Now we will give everything to win versus Osasuna [in next league match] on Saturday and get our first win of the season.

“Barcelona may be two points ahead but we still have the entire championship to go. It is early, so there is no reason to be concerned.”

Portugal face Norway in their second Euro 2012 qualifier, and given they have already dropped points, Carvalho knows a win in Oslo is imperative to get their campaign back on track.

He added, “We come to Norway with the obligation to win. We know we must be more compact, safe, and play as we know.

“[Versus Cyprus] We were optimistic, we created some good chances, but unfortunately we made many mistakes. It is very difficult to explain what happened to us, but these things happen.”

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