RICARDO CARVALHO has left the Portugal World Cup camp just days before their last-32 clash with Croatia after his dad died.
And the squad showed a moment of togetherness with the former Chelsea and Real Madrid defender in training before he went home.
Sign up for the Football newsletter
Thank you!
Cristiano Ronaldo embraced Portugal assistant boss Ricardo Carvalho at training after the former Chelsea defender’s dad died Credit: X – PORTUGAL
Carvalho’s father passed away aged 69 and he will now leave the World Cup camp to return home Credit: Reuters
Icon Cristiano Ronaldo was among those to console Carvalho, 48, at their Florida headquarters after the heart-breaking news.
Roberto Martinez‘s men took a moment to remember Manuel Ribeiro, who passed away aged just 69.
They formed a circle on the training ground and joined arms with bowed heads in a classy gesture.
Carvalho, ex-Everton and Wigan boss Martinez’s assistant since 2023, stood next to CR7 in the huddle.
READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
VAR-AGUAY
Germany World Cup goal vs Paraguay ruled out after ‘pathetic’ VAR call
‘unacceptable’
Cunha taunts Japan in cheeky post after ‘disrespectful’ World Cup gesture
He then hugged Ronaldo and shared an intimate embrace as Martinez clapped, offering his support.
Posting the pictures online, Portugal said: “We’re with you. Strength, Ricardo Carvalho.”
And a statement added: “The Portuguese Football Federation expresses its deepest condolences for the passing of Manuel Ribeiro de Carvalho, father of Ricardo Carvalho, assistant coach of the National Team, at the age of 69.”
Portugal play Croatia on Thursday night/Friday morning in Toronto.
The squad paid tribute to Manuel Ribeiro Credit: X – PORTUGAL
Carvalho has been with Martinez since he was appointed in 2023 Credit: EPA
It is not clear whether he will return if Portugal make it further in the tournament.
Carvalho, a three-time Prem winner at Stamford Bridge, joined Martinez’s coaching staff shortly after he was appointed three years ago.
He was previously the number two for much-maligned coach Andre Villas-Boas at Marseille.
The ball-playing centre-back played 89 times for his country in a distinguished career.
Carvalho also spent time at Porto, and Monaco before retiring in China.
He was a huge figure in Jose Mourinho’s record-breaking backline that only conceded 15 goals in a 38-game Prem season in 2004/05.
