Ricardo Carvalho Sticking With The Blues

Despite near constant rumors so far this summer, it appears that Ricardo Carvalho will not be headed to Internazionale F.C.

After mentor and former coach Jose Mourinho left to take the reigns for the Milan club, Carvalho seemed destined to land in the San Siro during the transfer period as well. Mourinho's side even put in an offer for the defender worth around £18 million.

Many reports suggested that the Portugese international was looking to leave the club and even requested a meeting with executive Peter Kenyon to discuss such a move.

However, in an interview with ChelseaFC.com Carvalho reiterated his commitment to the West London club and his eagerness to work with new boss, Luis Felipe Scolari. As the manager of the Portuguese national side for the past five years, the two have had much time to become acquainted.

"Everybody has asked me about the new coach, and when I arrived everybody had already started to train. They were surprised that we were doing so much running, a little bit more than normal,' he said. 'They asked if it will carry on or not, and I said it's okay, he likes to work hard and prepare well.

"Now I am back it is good to see all the people again, fighting for the club together like we have for the past few years."

The defender was also pleasantly surprised by the number of compatriots on the training ground, he joked that there are "too many" and that Deco possess too much quality.

Chelsea will certainly be boosted by his return next season. Though the team has several center backs, with the likes of Alex and Branislav Ivanovic, none have the technical ability Carvalho does.

Many argue that even captain John Terry is not as valuable as the oft underrated Portugese is in central defense. Carvalho was a rock at the back last season, filling in admirably while Terry was injured and solidifying the line all season.

Without him you could certainly argue that Chelsea would have much less of a chance to usurp the league title or Champions League title from the Red Devils.

However, with his support, the Blues are beginning to look like the strongest side in the EPL.