While John Terry gets most of the defensive plaudits from UK-based newspapers, who like to describe the whinging toddler as a warrior, hero and lots of other ridiculous things, one of the main reason why Chelsea are so stout at the back is down to Ricardo Carvalho, his partner in crime. The Portuguese defender might be a bit dirty, but he sure is effective and it’s little surprise to see Jose Mourinho over at Inter Milan declaring an interest in Ricky.

The Guardian report that the pair are close and that the centre-half has expressed a desire to play under his former manager in Italy. Which would come as a crushing blow to the Stamford Bridge club, despite some papers having you believe that ‘JT’ could cover two positions!

“I would love to play for Mr Mourinho again,” the defender said in Switzerland as he prepared for today’s Euro 2008 encounter between Portugal and the Czech Republic. “The majority of the trophies I’ve won in my career were with him.

“Sometimes a player needs a new challenge,” said Carvalho. “Having said that, I have a contract with Chelsea and I am happy there. I will talk to [the chief executive] Peter Kenyon after Euro 2008 and we will see what happens.”

Interesting words from Carvalho, who cost the Blues nearly £20million when he arrived from Porto four years ago. They have certainly got their money’s worth from the defender, although the signs are that he’s interested in jumping ship, leaving a yawning chasm in the Chelsea defence.